Imaging apparatus

ABSTRACT

An imaging apparatus  10  comprises a lower housing  11,  an upper housing  21,  a lower LCD  12,  an upper LCD  22,  an inner camera  23,  and a microphone. The upper housing  21  has a lower side which is connected to an upper side of the lower housing  11  such that the lower housing  11  and the upper housing  21  are foldable. The lower LCD  12  has a display screen which is provided in an inner surface of the lower housing  11  when folded. The upper LCD  22  has a display screen which is provided in an inner surface of the upper housing  21  when folded. The imaging section is provided in the inner surface of the upper housing  22  and between the display screen of the lower LCD  12  and the display screen of the upper LCD  22.  The microphone is provided in the inner housing of the upper housing  21  and between the display screen of the lower LCD  12  and the display screen of the upper LCD  22.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2008-129222, filed onMay 16, 2008, is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to an imaging apparatuswhich includes imaging means such as a camera, and the like, and voiceinput means such as a microphone, and the like.

2. Description of the Background Art

Conventionally, there exists a hand-held apparatus, such as a mobilephone with a camera, and the like, which includes an imaging functionand a voice input function. It is possible to take an image as well asto perform voice input (including recording) with the hand-heldapparatus. Further, when a user performs imaging and voice input, it ispreferable to display various information such as an image being taken,and the like, to the user, and it is preferable that a screen of adisplay device be located such that the user can view the screen duringoperation.

For example, Patent Documents 1 to 5 (Patent Document 1: JapaneseLaid-Open Patent Publication No. 2004-274304, Patent Document 2:Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2005-184060, Patent Document3: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2007-201727, PatentDocument 4: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 9-247634, andPatent Document 5: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No.2006-311224) disclose an information processing apparatus including acamera and a microphone. Hand-held apparatuses disclosed in the PatentDocuments 1 to 3 include a camera and a microphone as well as screenswhich are provided on two surfaces of a housing, respectively. Morespecifically, the hand-held apparatuses disclosed in the PatentDocuments 1 to 3 are foldable apparatuses in which two housings arefoldably connected to each other, and screens are provided on an innersurface and an outer surface of one of the housings, respectively. It isnoted that the inner surface is a surface located inside when folded,and the outer surface is a surface opposite to the inner surface (asurface located outside when folded). As described above, by providingthe screens on both the inner surface and the outer surface, it ispossible for the user to look at a screen even in a state where thehand-held apparatus is opened or closed, and to perform imaging with thehand-held apparatus in either state.

Further, telephones disclosed in the Patent Documents 4 and 5 include acamera and a microphone as well as two screens which are located on thesame side as the camera and the microphone. In other words, thetelephones disclosed in the Patent Documents 4 and 5 are foldableapparatuses including two housings, the camera is provided in an innersurface of one of the housings, and the microphone is provided in aninner surface of the other housing. In addition, the two screens areprovided in the inner surfaces of the two housings, respectively.According to this configuration, the user can look at the two screens atone time when using the telephone in a state where the two housings areopened.

Conventionally, there exists an imaging apparatus which takes an imagewith a camera and displays the taken image on a display device. Forexample, Patent Document 6 (Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No.2006-311224) discloses an imaging apparatus which is a foldable mobilephone having an imaging function. The imaging apparatus includes twovertically long housings which are connected to each other at shortsides thereof so as to be foldable, and a display screen is provided ineach housing. Further, a touch panel is provided on each display screen.In the imaging apparatus, by using the touch panel as an input device,it is possible to provide the display screen substantially across anentirety of a surface of each housing. Thus, while the mobile phone isreduced in size, an area for displaying information is made large.

Further, Patent Document 7 (Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No.2001-142564) discloses an information apparatus having a camera. Theinformation apparatus includes a body unit and a display unit which arepivotably connected to each other by a hinge block. In the informationapparatus, the camera is disposed in the hinge block.

Conventionally, there exists an imaging apparatus which is a foldablehand-held apparatus, such as a mobile phone, and the like, which isprovided with a camera to have an imaging function. For example, PatentDocument 8 (Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2003-333149)discloses a foldable mobile phone having a camera. The mobile phoneincludes two foldable housings, and the camera is provided in an outersurface of an upper first housing (which is a surface located on theoutside of the mobile phone when the mobile phone is folded). As ashutter button for performing a photographing instruction (aninstruction to store data of an image taken by the camera), a firstshutter button is provided on an inner surface of a lower second housing(which is a surface located on the inside of the mobile phone when themobile phone is folded), and a second shutter button is provided on theouter surface of the first housing. When photographing is performedwhile the mobile phone is opened, a user performs a photographinginstruction using the first shutter button.

(Problem 1) Problem Regarding the Above Patent Documents 1 to 5

As in the hand-held apparatuses disclosed in the Patent Documents 1 to3, in the configuration in which a screen is provided in each of theinner surface and the outer surface of the housing, the user can look atonly one screen at one time. Thus, an amount of information which can bedisplayed to the user at one time is reduced. As a result, there is afear that the user cannot obtain (view) sufficient information whenperforming imaging and voice input.

Meanwhile, in the telephones of the above Patent Documents 4 and 5, theuser can look at the two screens at one time. Thus, an amount ofinformation which can be displayed to the user at one time becomeslarge. However, since the positions of the camera and the microphone areinappropriate in the telephones of the above Patent Documents 4 and 5,there is a problem that it is hard to perform imaging and voice inputdue to the following reason.

In the telephones of the above Patent Documents 4 and 5, the camera andthe microphone are provided in the different housings, and located atends of the telephone, respectively. More specifically, the camera islocated at an end of one of the housings, and the microphone is locatedat an end of the other housing. Thus, in the case where a folded angleis not 180 degrees, an imaging direction of the camera and a directionin which the microphone collects voice are directed in differentdirections. Further, at this time, the direction in which the microphonecollects voice and a direction in which a “screen of a housing providedwith the camera” faces are directed in different directions. It ismeaningful that a foldable apparatus is, for example, put on a desk andused with a folded angle thereof being set to a desired angle. At thistime, the apparatus is easy to operate when setting is made such that ascreen of an upper housing faces the user. However, in the telephones ofthe above Patent Documents 4 and 5, in such a situation, the directionin which the microphone collects voice and a direction of a mouth of theuser are different from each other.

Further, in the telephones of the above Patent Documents 4 and 5, thecamera is provided at the end of the housing, the two screens exist inthe lower side of the camera. Thus, in order for the user to look atinformation displayed on each screen from a state where the user looksat the camera, the user need to shift his or her view line downwardly,and particularly, a shift amount of user's view line is larger whenlooking at information on a lower screen. Further, in order for the userto equally look at the two screens, it is preferable to shift user'sview line with reference to a center between the two screens. However,in the telephones of the above Patent Documents 4 and 5, such a viewline and the imaging direction of the camera are different from eachother.

(Problem 2) Problem Regarding the Patent Documents 6 and 7

In the imaging apparatus disclosed in the Patent Document 6, thevertically long housings are arranged lengthwise and connected to eachother. Thus, a width of the imaging apparatus is too small for a user tofirmly hold the imaging apparatus with both hands. Further, since thedisplay screen is provided across the entirety of the surface of eachhousing, when the user holds the imaging apparatus either lengthwise orsideways, fingers are located on the screen, thereby deterioratingvisibility of the screen and operability of the touch panel. On theother hand, when the user holds the imaging apparatus such that thefingers are not located on the screens, the user has to hold the imagingapparatus at back surfaces and side surfaces of the housings, and hencecannot firmly hold the imaging apparatus. Further, since the informationapparatus disclosed in the Patent Document 7 is a notebook computer, itis assumed that the notebook computer is used in a placed state whentaking an image, and the notebook computer cannot be held with hands andused when taking an image.

As described above, the imaging apparatuses disclosed in the PatentDocuments 6 and 7 cannot be firmly held by the user while maintainingvisibility of the screen and operability of the touch panel when takingan image. Thus, there is a problem that there is a high probability thathand movement occurs when taking an image. Further, since the imagingapparatus cannot be firmly held when taking an image, it is hard toperform an operation when taking an image.

(Problem 3) Problem Regarding the Patent Document 8

In the mobile phone disclosed in the Patent Document 8, when the userperforms photographing, an operation manner in which the user pressesthe shutter button with a thumb while holding the lower second housingwith one hand is assumed. In other words, the user presses the firstshutter button with the thumb while contacting the inner surface of thesecond housing with a thumb and an outer surface of the second housingwith the other fingers (so as to sandwich the second housing between thethumb and the other fingers). In such an operation manner, since thethumb has to be separated from the second housing when pressing thefirst shutter button, the second housing cannot be firmly held. Thus, itis hard to press the first shutter button, and there is a fear that handmovement occurs when the first shutter button is pressed. As describedabove, the conventional foldable imaging apparatus has a problem that itis hard to perform a photographing operation of pressing the shutterbutton.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, regarding the above problem 1, an object of the presentinvention is to provide an imaging apparatus with which it is easy for auser to operate imaging and voice input.

The present invention has the following features to attain the problem 1mentioned above. It is noted that reference characters and supplementaryexplanations in parentheses in this section are merely provided tofacilitate the understanding of the present invention in relation to thelater-described embodiment, rather than limiting the scope of thepresent invention in any way.

A first aspect is an imaging apparatus comprising a first housing (alower housing 11), a second housing (an upper housing 21), a firstdisplay section (a lower LCD 12), a second display section (an upper LCD22), an imaging section (an inner camera 23), and a voice input section(a microphone 42). The second housing has a lower side which isconnected to an upper side of the first housing such that the first andsecond housings are foldable. The first display section has a displayscreen which is provided in an inner surface of the first housing whenfolded. The second display section has a display screen which isprovided in an inner surface of the second housing when folded. Theimaging section is provided in the inner surface of the second housingand between the display screen of the first display section and thedisplay screen of the second display section. The voice input section isprovided in the inner surface of the second housing and between thedisplay screen of the first display section and the display screen ofthe second display section.

In a second aspect, the imaging apparatus may further comprise anoperation button (buttons 14A to 14F) provided in the first housing.

In a third aspect, the second housing may have at the lower side anaxial portion which is pivotally connected to the upper housing of thefirst housing. In this case, the imaging section and the voice inputsection are located in the axial portion.

In a fourth aspect, the axial portion may be located substantially at acenter of the second housing in a left-right direction.

In a second aspect, the imaging section may be located at substantiallyat a center in a left-right direction. In this case, the voice inputsection is located at a position away from a position of the imagingsection in the left-right direction.

In a sixth aspect, the imaging apparatus may further comprise voiceoutput sections (speakers) provided in the inner surface of the secondhousing and on both sides of the display screen of the second displaysection in a left-right direction, respectively.

A seventh aspect is an imaging apparatus comprising a first housing (alower housing 11), a second housing (an upper housing 21), a firstdisplay section (a lower LCD 12), a second display section (an upper LCD22), an imaging section (an inner camera 23), and voice output sections(speakers). The second housing has a lower side which is connected to anupper side of the first housing such that the first and second housingsare foldable. The first display section has a display screen which isprovided in an inner surface of the first housing when folded. Thesecond display section has a display screen which is provided in aninner surface of the second housing when folded. The imaging section isprovided in the inner surface of the second housing and between thedisplay screen of the first display section and the display screen ofthe second display section. The voice output sections are provided inthe inner surface of the second housing and on both sides of the displayscreen of the second display section in a left-right direction,respectively.

An eighth aspect is an imaging apparatus comprising a first housing (alower housing 11), a second housing (an upper housing 21), a firstdisplay section (a lower LCD 12), a second display section (an upper LCD22), and an imaging section (an inner camera 23). The second housing hasa lower side which is connected to an upper side of the first housingsuch that the first and second housings are foldable. The first displaysection has a display screen which is provided in an inner surface ofthe first housing when folded. The second display section has a displayscreen which is provided in an inner surface of the second housing whenfolded. The imaging section is provided in a center portion in theleft-right direction and between the display screen of the first displaysection and the display screen of the second display section when thefirst housing and the second housing are opened.

In a ninth aspect, the imaging apparatus may further comprise a voiceinput section (a microphone 42) provided in the center portion in theleft-right direction and between the display screen of the first displaysection and the display screen of the second display section when thefirst housing and the second housing are opened.

In a tenth aspect, the imaging section may be provided at a center inthe left-right direction and between the display screen of the firstdisplay section and the display screen of the second display sectionwhen the first housing and the second housing are opened. In this case,the voice input section is provided close to the imaging section.

According to the first aspect, since the imaging section and the voiceinput section are provided between the two screens, if the user facesthe two screens when performing imaging and voice input, the camera andthe microphone are located so as to face the user. Thus, the user cansuccessfully perform imaging and voice input while facing the twoscreens (without changing a direction of user's face). Further, forexample, when taking an image of the user with the camera, the userperforms an imaging operation looking at the camera while looking at thescreen. However, since the camera is located between the two screensaccording to the first aspect, the user can minimize a length for whichhis or her view line is shifted between the camera and the screen whenperforming the imaging operation, and the imaging operation becomes easyto perform while the user looks at the two screens. Further, accordingto the first aspect, since the camera and the microphone are locatedsubstantially at the same position in the second housing, the usernaturally turns his or her face to the microphone if the user faces thecamera when taking an image. Thus, user's voice can be easily collectedby the voice input section, and detected accurately.

According to the second aspect, since the operation button and themicrophone are provided in the different housings, it is unlikely tocollect, by the microphone, operation sound (noise) generated when theoperation button is operated, and a desired voice can be accuratelydetected by the microphone. Further, according to the second aspect,since the operation button is provided in the first housing, it isconsidered that the user holds the first housing when performingimaging. Thus, the user can easily change an imaging direction to adesired direction by turning the second housing to the desired directionwithout changing an orientation of the imaging apparatus (without movingthe first housing).

According to the third aspect, by locating the imaging section and thevoice input section in the axial portion for achieving a foldedstructure, a distance between the two screens can be shorter as comparedwith the case where the imaging section and the voice input section arelocated between the screen of the second display section and the axialportion. Thus, the two screens can be located closer to each other, andit becomes easier for the user to look at the two screens.

According to the fourth aspect, since the imaging section and the voiceinput section are located substantially at the center in the left-rightdirection, it becomes easier for the user to perform imaging and voiceinput.

According to the fifth aspect, by locating the imaging section at thecenter in the left-right direction, for example, it becomes easier forthe user to take an image of the user such that the user is located at acenter of an imaging region. In addition, even if the voice inputsection is located at a position slightly away from the center, it doesnot have a significant effect on detection accuracy of the voice inputsection. Further, according to the fifth aspect, since the imagingsection and the voice input section can be juxtaposed to each other inthe left-right direction, a distance between the two screens can beshorter as compared with the case where the imaging section and thevoice input section are juxtaposed to each other in an up-downdirection. Thus, according to the fifth aspect, the imaging section andthe voice input section can be located such that it becomes easier tolook at the two screens while ease of performing imaging and voice inputis maintained.

According to the sixth aspect, when the user holds the imaging apparatusso as to face the two screens, the voice output sections are located inpositions corresponding to left and right ears (in positions on bothleft and right sides of user's face), respectively. Thus, a stereoeffect can be effectively obtained.

According to the seventh aspect, similarly as the sixth aspect, by theuser holding the imaging apparatus so as to face the two screens, astereo effect can be effectively obtained. Further, similarly as thefirst aspect, when the user faces the two screens, the camera is locatedin front of the user. Thus, the user can successfully perform imagingwhile facing the two screens (without changing a direction of user'sface).

According to the eighth aspect, similarly as the first aspect, byproviding the camera at the center between the two screens, a shift ofuser's view line from a state where the user looks at the camera isminimized, and information displayed on the upper screen and informationdisplayed on the lower screen can be obtained. Further, even when theuser looks at the information displayed on either the upper screen orthe lower screen, a difference between the imaging direction of thecamera and user's view line is small, and it is possible to take animage of the user who faces the camera.

According to the ninth aspect, similarly as the first aspect, since thecamera and the microphone are located substantially at the same positionin the second housing, the user naturally turns his or her face to themicrophone if the user faces the camera when taking an image. Thus,user's voice can be easily collected by the voice input section, anddetected accurately.

According to the tenth aspect, similarly as the fifth aspect, theimaging section and the voice input section can be located such that itbecomes easier to look at the two screens while ease of performingimaging and voice input is maintained.

These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of the present invention when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an external plan view of an imaging apparatus 10;

FIG. 2 is an external plan view of the imaging apparatus 10;

FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D are external plan views of the imagingapparatus 10;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a lower housing shown in FIG. 1which is taken along the line A-A′;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an upper housing shown in FIG. 1which is taken along the line B-B′;

FIG. 6 is a view showing a state where a user holds the imagingapparatus 10 with both hands;

FIG. 7 is a view showing a state where the user holds the imagingapparatus 10 with one hand;

FIG. 8 is a view showing a state where the user holds the imagingapparatus 10 lengthwise;

FIG. 9 is a view showing a state where the user holds the imagingapparatus 10 lengthwise;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of theimaging apparatus 10;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a procedure of photographing processingin the imaging apparatus 10;

FIG. 12 is a view showing an example of images displayed on LCDs 12 and22;

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a procedure of input image generationprocessing (a step S5) shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a view showing an example of images displayed on the LCDs 12and 22 in a pen mode;

FIG. 15 is an external plan view of an imaging apparatus according to amodified example;

FIG. 16 is an external plan view of the imaging apparatus according tothe modified example;

FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C, and 17D are external plain views of the imagingapparatus according to the modified example;

FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing a procedure of photographing processingaccording to the modified example;

FIG. 19 is a view showing an example of images displayed on the LCDs 12and 22 at a step S32;

FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing a procedure of editing processing (astep S43) shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a view showing an example of images displayed on the LCDs 12and 22 in a pen mode of the editing processing; and

FIG. 22 is view showing an example of images displayed on the LCDs 12and 22 in a seal mode of the editing processing.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(Configuration of Imaging Apparatus)

The following will describe an imaging apparatus according to anembodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 1 to 3 are external planviews of the imaging apparatus 10. The imaging apparatus 10 is afoldable imaging apparatus, FIGS. 1 and 2 show the imaging apparatus 10in an opened state, and FIGS. 3A to 3D show the imaging apparatus 10 ina closed state. More specifically, FIG. 1 is a front view of the imagingapparatus 10 in the opened state, and FIG. 2 is a side view of theimaging apparatus in the opened state. The imaging apparatus 10 takes animage with a camera, displays the taken image on a screen, and recordsdata of the taken image (may record data of the taken image in anonvolatile memory or a volatile memory, or may record data of a stillimage or a moving image). The imaging apparatus 10 includes two displaydevices (LCDs 12 and 22) and two cameras (cameras 23 and 25).

FIGS. 15 to 17 are external plan views of an imaging apparatus accordingto a modified example of the present embodiment. FIG. 15 is a front viewof the imaging apparatus 10 in an opened state, FIG. 16 is a side viewof the imaging apparatus in the opened state, and FIGS. 17A to 17D showthe imaging apparatus 10 in a closed state. In FIGS. 15 to 17, the samecomponents as those in FIGS. 1 to 3 are designated by the same referencecharacters, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted. Theimaging apparatus 110 shown in FIGS. 15 to 17 is an imaging apparatusobtained by changing positions, numbers, shapes, and the like, of somecomponents of the imaging apparatus 10 according to the presentembodiment, and basic functions thereof is the same as that of theimaging apparatus 10.

The following will describe an external configuration of the imagingapparatus 10 with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 and FIGS. 15 to 17. Theimaging apparatus 10 is small enough in size to be capable of being heldwith both hands or one hand in the opened state. For example, theimaging apparatus 10 can be 50 to 100 mm long (in x direction in thedrawings), and 100 to 200 mm wide (in y direction in the drawings) witha thickness of 10 to 40 mm (in z direction in the drawings) in theclosed state, and can be 100 to 200 mm long in the opened state. Morepreferably, the imaging apparatus 10 can be 60 to 90 mm long, and 100 to150 mm wide with a thickness of 15 to 30 mm in the closed state, and canbe 120 to 160 mm long in the opened state. Further preferably, theimaging apparatus 10 can be 70 to 80 mm long, and 100 to 150 mm widewith a thickness of 15 to 25 mm in the closed state, and can be 135 to155 mm long in the opened state. It is noted that it is preferable thatthe thickness of a lower housing 11 be larger than that of an upperhousing 21. Further, the length of the imaging apparatus 10 may besubstantially the same as the width of the imaging apparatus 10. It isnoted that it is preferable that a dimension of the lower housing 11 ina lateral direction be a dimension such that a second joint of an indexfinger is located adjacent to an upper corner of the lower housing 11when a lower corner of the lower housing 11 is supported by a center ofa palm.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the imaging apparatus 10 includes twohousings, namely, the lower housing 11 and the upper housing 21. Thelower housing 11 and the upper housing 21 are connected to each other soas to be capable of being opened or closed (foldable) In the presentembodiment, the housings 11 and 21 each have a horizontally long shape(namely, a dimension of each housing in the lateral direction is longerthan that in a longitudinal direction), and typically have a rectangularshape. Further, the housings 11 and 21 each have a plate-like shape(namely, a length in a thickness direction is shorter than those in thelongitudinal and lateral directions. Further, the upper housing 21 andthe lower housing 11 each have a thin plate-like shape. It is preferablethat a thickness of the upper housing 21 be smaller than that of thelower housing 11. The lower housing 11 and the upper housing arepivotably connected to each other at long sides thereof.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the lower housing shown in FIG. 1which is taken along the line A-A′, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional viewof the upper housing shown in FIG. 1 which is taken along the line B-B′.As shown in FIG. 4, on an inner surface of the lower housing 11 (whichis a surface located on the inside of the imaging apparatus 10 in theclosed state), axial portions 11A are provided so as to project in thevertical direction (the axial portions 11A are structurally integralwith the lower housing). The axial portions 11A are provided at bothends in a left-right direction (in the y direction in the drawings) (seeFIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 15, each of the axial portions 11A may beprovided in a position inward of the respective end in the left-rightdirection. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, on a lower surface of the upperhousing 21 (which is a side surface on an x-axis negative side in thedrawings), an axial portion 21A is provided so as to project in thevertical direction with respect to the lower surface of the upperhousing 21 (the axial portion 21A is structurally integral with theupper housing). The axial portion 21A is provided so as to project inthe vertical direction with respect to the lower surface as well as soas to project in the vertical direction with respect to an inner surfaceof the upper housing 21 (which is a surface located on the inside of theimaging apparatus 10 in the closed state). The axial portion 21A isprovided at a center of the lower end of the upper housing 21 in theleft-right direction (see FIG. 1). The axial portions 11A and the axialportion 21A are pivotably connected to each other by a hinge providedtherein, thereby forming a projection portion. As constructed above, theprojection portion projects with respect to the inner surface of each ofthe housings 11 and 21 (see FIG. 2). Since the axial portions 11A areprovided so as to project with respect to the inner surface of the lowerhousing 11 and the axial portion 21A is provided so as to projectdownwardly of the upper housing 21, a step is formed between an outersurface of the lower housing 11 (which is a surface located on theoutside of the imaging apparatus 10 in the closed state) and an outersurface of the upper housing 21 by the thickness of the lower housing 11in a state where the two housings 11 and 21 are connected to each other(see FIG. 2).

As described above, the upper housing 21 is pivotably supported by apart of an upper portion of the lower housing 11. Thus, the imagingapparatus 10 is capable of being in the closed state (which is a statewhere an angle between the lower housing 11 and the upper housing 21 isabout 0 degree (see FIG. 2)) or in the opened state (which is a statewhere the angle between the lower housing 11 and the upper housing 21 isabout 180 degrees (see FIG. 1)). A user usually uses the imagingapparatus 10 in the opened state, and keeps the imaging apparatus 10 inthe closed state when not using the imaging apparatus 10. Further, inthe present embodiment, in addition to the closed state and the openedstate, the imaging apparatus 10 can maintain the angle between the lowerhousing 11 and the upper housing 21 at any angle ranging between theclosed state and the opened state by frictional force generated at thehinge, and the like. In other words, the upper housing 21 can bestationary at any angle with respect to the lower housing 11.Alternatively, the hinge may have a mechanism to temporarily fix theupper housing 21 and the lower housing 11 at a predetermined anglesmaller than 180 degrees with click feeling. In other words, the upperhousing 21 and the lower housing 11 may be temporarily fixed in theopened state at the predetermined angle smaller than 180 degrees withclick feeling. Specifically, for example, the predetermined angle rangesfrom 150 to 175 degrees, and is 160 degrees in the present embodiment.In the present embodiment, the housings 11 and 21 are capable of beingopened up to an angle of 180 degrees. However, in an alternativeembodiment, the housings 11 and 21 may be capable of being opened onlyup to the predetermined angle or up to an angle of 180 degrees or more.

A configuration provided in the lower housing 11 will be described. Asshown in FIG. 1, the imaging apparatus 10 includes the lower LCD (LiquidCrystal Display) 12. The lower LCD 12 has a horizontally long shape, andis located such that a long side direction thereof corresponds to a longside direction of the lower housing 11. The lower LCD 12 is accommodatedin the lower housing 11. The lower LCD 12 is provided in the innersurface of the lower housing 11. Thus, by making the imaging apparatus10 in the closed state when the imaging apparatus 10 is not used, ascreen of the lower LCD 12 can be prevented from getting dirty and beingdamaged. It is noted that although an LCD is used as a display device inthe present embodiment, any other display devices such as a displaydevice using an EL (Electro Luminescence) may be used. In addition, theimaging apparatus 10 can use a display device of any resolution.Although details will be described later, the lower LCD 12 is used fordisplaying an image taken by a camera 23 or 25 in real time.

The inner surface of the lower housing 11 is formed to be substantiallyplanar. At a center of the inner surface of the lower housing 11, anopening 11B is formed for exposing the lower LCD 12. On the left side ofthe opening 11B (on a y-axis negative side in the drawings), an opening11C is formed, and on the right side of the opening 11B, openings 11Dare formed. The openings 11B and 11 c are for exposing key tops (uppersurfaces of buttons 14A to 14E). The screen of the lower LCD 12accommodated in the lower housing 11 is exposed from the opening 11B,and the key tops are exposed from the openings 11C and 11D. Thus, in theinner surface of the lower housing 11, non-screen areas (dotted lineareas A1 and A2 shown in FIG. 1, more specifically, areas for arrangingthe buttons 14A to 14D; button arrangement areas) are provided on bothsides of the opening 11B provided at the center of the inner surface ofthe lower housing 11 for the lower LCD 12. Each of the buttonarrangement areas is designed to have a dimension of at least 15 mm ormore (preferably 20 mm or more, more preferably 30 to 40 mm) in thelateral direction (in they direction in the drawings).

In the lower housing 11, the buttons 14A to 14I and a touch panel 13 areprovided as input devices. As shown in FIG. 1, among the buttons 14A to14I, the direction input button 14A, the button 14B, the button 14C, thebutton 14D, the button 14E, and the power button 14F are provided on theinner surface of the lower housing 11. The direction input button 14A isused, for example, for a selection operation, and the buttons 14B to 14Eare used, for example, for a determination operation, a cancellationoperation, and the like. The power button 14F is used for turning on oroff the power of the imaging apparatus 10. The direction input button14A and the power button 14F are provided on one side (the left side inFIG. 1) of the lower LCD 12 provided in the vicinity of the center ofthe lower housing 11, and the buttons 14B to 14E are provided on theother side (on the right side in FIG. 1) of the lower LCD 12. It isnoted that as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17C, the power button 14F may beprovided on a right side surface of the lower housing 11. The directioninput button 14A has a cross shape, and is about 20 mm in length andwidth. The direction input button 14A is provided such that a centerthereof is located in a position distant from the left end of the lowerhousing 11 by about 20 mm and from the lower end of the lower housing 11by about 40 mm. The power button 14F has a circular shape, and isprovided such that a center thereof is located in a position distantfrom the left end of the lower housing 11 by about 25 mm and from thelower end of the lower housing 11 by about 10 mm. Each of the buttons14B to 14E has a circular shape and a radius of 5 mm. The button 14B isprovided such that a center thereof is located in a position distantfrom the right end of the lower housing 11 by about 10 mm and from thelower end of the lower housing 11 by about 40 mm. The button 14C isprovided such that a center thereof is located in a position distantfrom the right end of the lower housing 11 by about 20 mm and from thelower end of the lower housing 11 by about 40 mm. The button 14D isprovided such that a center thereof is located in a position distantfrom the right end of the lower housing 11 by about 20 mm and from thelower end of the lower housing 11 by about 50 mm. The button 14E isprovided such that a center thereof is located in a position distantfrom the right end of the lower housing 11 by about 25 mm and from thelower end of the lower housing 11 by about 45 mm. The direction inputbutton 14A and the buttons 14B to 14E are used for performing variousoperations (described later) with respect to the imaging apparatus 10.

FIG. 3A is a left side view of the imaging apparatus 10 in the closedstate, FIG. 3B is a front view of the imaging apparatus 10, FIG. 3C is aright side view of the imaging apparatus 10, and FIG. 3D is a back viewof the imaging apparatus 10. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3C, the volumebutton 14I is provided on a left side surface of the lower housing 11.The volume button 14I is used for adjusting volume of a speaker of theimaging apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 3D, the button 14H is provided ata right end of an upper surface of the lower housing 11. The button 14Gis provided at a left end of the upper surface of the lower housing 11.It is noted that it is preferable that the button 14H extend at itsright end to the right end of the lower housing 11, but may not extendso. In the former case, it is preferable that design be made such that aright side surface of the button 14H is substantially flush with theright side surface of the lower housing 11. Further, the button 14Hextends at its back surface to a back surface of the lower housing 11,but may not extend so. In the former case, it is preferable that designbe made such that the back surface of the button 14H is substantiallyflush with the back surface of the lower housing 11. It is noted thatmuch the same is true on the button 14G.

More specifically, the buttons 14H and 14G have a length of about 20 mmin the left-right direction, and a width (a length in the thicknessdirection, namely, a length in the z direction in the drawings) of about10 mm. Each of the buttons 14G and 14H is used, for example, forperforming a photographing instruction operation (a shutter operation)with respect to the imaging apparatus 10. Both the buttons 14G and 14Hmay function as a shutter button. In this case, a right-handed user canuse the button 14H, and a left-handed user can use the button 14G. Thus,the imaging apparatus 10 is user-friendly for either user. It is notedthat the imaging apparatus 10 may set the buttons 14G and 14H to beconstantly valid as shutter buttons. Or, the imaging apparatus 10 maymake settings for right-handedness or left-handedness (the user iscaused to perform an input for the settings by a menu program, and thelike, and set data is stored), only the button 14H is set to be valid inthe case of the settings for the right-handedness, and only the button14G is set to be valid in the case of the settings for theleft-handedness. In an alternative embodiment, a button for performing aphotographing instruction operation may be provided only on the uppersurface of the lower housing 11.

As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging apparatus 10 further includes the touchpanel 13 as another input device in addition to the above buttons. Thetouch panel 13 is mounted on the screen of the lower LCD 12. In thepresent embodiment, the touch panel 13 is a resistive film type touchpanel. However, the touch panel is not limited to the resistive filmtype, but any press-type touch panel may be used. The touch panel 13used in the present embodiment has the same resolution (detectionaccuracy) as that of the lower LCD 12. However, the resolution of thetouch panel 13 and the lower LCD 12 may not necessarily be the same aseach other. In the right side surface of the lower housing 11, aninsertion opening 17 (indicated by a dotted line in FIGS. 1 and 3D) isprovided. The insertion opening is capable of accommodating a touch pen27 used for performing an operation with respect to the touch pane 113.An input with respect to the touch panel 13 is usually performed usingthe touch pen 27. However, in addition to the touch pen 27, a finger ofthe user can be used for operating the touch panel 13.

As shown in FIG. 3A, a cover 11B is provided on the right side surfaceof the lower housing 11 so as to be capable of being opened or closed.Inside the cover 11B, a connector (not shown) is provided forelectrically connecting the imaging apparatus 10 to a memory card 28.The memory card 28 is detachably mounted to the connector. The memorycard 28 is used, for example, for storing data of an image taken by theimaging apparatus 10. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 17A, the connectorand the cover 11B may be provided on the left side surface of the lowerhousing 11.

As shown in FIG. 1, three LEDs 15A to 15C are mounted to the left sideaxial portion 11A of the lower housing 11 (the LEDs 15A to 15C may bemounted to the right side axial portion 11A as shown in FIG. 15). Theimaging apparatus 10 is capable of performing wireless communicationwith another apparatus, and the first LED 15A is lit up while wirelesscommunication is established. The second LED 15B is lit up while theimaging apparatus 10 is charged. The third LED 15C is lit up while thepower of the imaging apparatus 10 is ON. Thus, by the three LEDs 15A to15C, a state of communication establishment of the imaging apparatus 10,a state of charge of the imaging apparatus 10, and a state of ON/OFF ofthe power of the imaging apparatus 10 can be notified to the user.

As described above, in the lower housing 11, the input devices (thetouch panel 13 and the buttons 14A to 14I) are provided for performingan operation input with respect to the imaging apparatus 10. Thus, theuser can hold the lower housing 11 and perform an operation with respectto the imaging apparatus 10 when using the imaging apparatus 10. FIG. 6is a view showing a state where the user holds the imaging apparatus 10with both hands. As shown in FIG. 6, the user holds the side surfacesand an outer surface (a surface opposite to the inner surface) of thelower housing 11 with palms, middle fingers, ring fingers, and littlefingers of both hands in a state where the LCDs 12 and 22 face the user.By so holding, the user can perform an operation with respect to thebuttons 14A to 14E with thumbs and perform an operation with respect tothe buttons 14G and 14H with index fingers while holding the lowerhousing 11. In the present embodiment, the lower housing 11 is formed inthe horizontally long shape, and provided with the buttons on both sidesof the lower LCD 12. Thus, the imaging apparatus can be easy to hold andeasy to operate. Further, as described above, the button arrangementareas (A1 and A2 shown in FIG. 1) are provided so as to have a dimensionof at least 15 mm in the lateral direction thereof. Thus, thumbs can beprevented from being located on the lower LCD 12 when holding the lowerhousing 11. FIG. 7 is a view showing a state where the user holds theimaging apparatus 10 with one hand. When performing an input withrespect to the touch panel 13, as shown in FIG. 7, one hand holding thelower housing 11 is released from lower housing 11, and the lowerhousing 11 is held only with the other hand, thereby performing an inputwith respect to the touch panel 13 with the one hand. In this case, athumb holding the lower housing 11 can be prevented from being locatedon the lower LCD 12. Further, while holding the lower housing 11 withboth hands, it is possible to perform an input with respect to the touchpanel 13 with a thumb of one hand (a thumb of a right hand if the useris right-handed). In this case, a thumb of the other hand holding thelower housing 11 (a thumb of a left hand if the user is right-handed)can be prevented from being located on the touch panel 13.

Meanwhile, a configuration for taking an image (a camera) and aconfiguration for displaying the taken image (a display device) areprovided in the upper housing 21. The following will describe aconfiguration provided in the upper housing 21.

As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging apparatus 10 includes the upper LCD 22.The upper LCD 22 is accommodated in the upper housing 21. The upper LCD22 has a horizontally long shape, and is located such that a long sidedirection thereof corresponds to a long side direction of the upperhousing 21. The upper LCD 22 is provided in the inner surface of theupper housing 21 (which is the surface located on the inside of theimaging apparatus 10 in the closed state). Thus, by making the imagingapparatus 10 in the closed state when the imaging apparatus 10 is notused, a screen of the upper LCD 22 can be prevented from getting dirtyand being damaged. Similarly as the lower LCD 12, a display device ofanother type having any resolution may be used instead of the upper LCD22. Although details will be described later, the upper LCD 22 mainlydisplays thereon an image concerning an imaging operation, such as animage for explaining a manner of an operation to the user, and the like.In an alternative embodiment, a touch panel may be provided on the upperLCD 22.

The imaging apparatus 10 includes the two cameras 23 and 25. Each of thecameras 23 and 25 is accommodated in the upper housing 21. As shown inFIG. 1, the inner camera 23 is mounted in the inner surface of the upperhousing 21. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3B, the outer camera 25is mounted in a surface opposite to the surface in which the innercamera 23 is mounted, namely, in the outer surface of the upper housing21 (which is a surface located on the outside of the imaging apparatus10 in the closed state). Thus, the inner camera 23 is capable of takingan image in a direction in which the inner surface of the upper housing21 faces, and the outer camera 25 is capable of taking an image in adirection opposite to an imaging direction of the inner camera 23,namely, in a direction in which the outer surface of the upper housing21 faces. As described above, in the present embodiment, the two cameras23 and 25 are provided such that the imaging directions thereof areopposite to each other. As a result, the user can take images in twodifferent directions without changing a manner of holding the imagingapparatus 10. For example, the user can take an image of a view seenfrom the imaging apparatus 10 toward the user with the inner camera 23as well as an image of a view seen from the imaging apparatus 10 in adirection opposite to the user with the outer camera 25.

Further, the inner camera 23 is mounted at a center of the axial portion21A formed at the center of the lower end of the upper housing 21. Inother words, the inner camera 23 is mounted at a center of a portionwhere the two housings 11 and 21 are connected to each other. Thus, whenthe imaging apparatus 10 is in the opened state, the inner camera 23 islocated between the two LCDs 12 and 22 (see FIG. 1). In other words, theinner camera 23 is located in the vicinity of a center of the imagingapparatus 10. It is noted that the “center of the imaging apparatus 10”means a center of an operation surface of the imaging apparatus 10(which includes the inner surfaces of the housings 11 and 21 in theopened state). Further, it may be meant that the inner camera 23 islocated in the vicinity of a center of the LCDs 12 and 22 in the lateraldirection. In the present embodiment, since the axial portion 21A isintegral with the upper housing 21 and the inner camera 23 is fixedlydisposed in the axial portion 21A, the imaging direction of the innercamera 23 is changed in accordance with opening and closing of the upperhousing 21. Thus, change in the imaging direction can be achievedwithout providing an additional mechanism for changing the imagingdirection of the camera. Further, the inner camera 23 faces the lowerhousing 11 by closing the upper housing 21. Thus, the inner camera 23can be protected automatically by making the imaging apparatus 10 in theclosed state.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the inner camera 23 isprovided in the axial portion 21A so as to be located in the vicinity ofan center of the operation surface of the imaging apparatus 10. However,in an alternative embodiment, the inner camera 23 may be provided in aposition other than the axial portions of the lower housing 11 and theupper housing 21. For example, the inner camera 23 may be provided inthe inner surface of the upper housing 21 and between the axial portion21A and the upper LCD 22. It is noted that when the inner camera 23 isprovided substantially at the center of the operation surface of theimaging apparatus 10 in the left-right direction, the user can easilyadjust the imaging apparatus 10 at an appropriate position at least inthe left-right direction, for example, in taking an image of the user.

Here, for example, the case where the inner camera 23 is located at anend of the operation surface of the imaging apparatus 10 (e.g. at anupper end of the inner surface of the upper housing 21) is considered.When operating a hand-held apparatus such as the imaging apparatus 10,the user usually holds the imaging apparatus 10 so as to face theimaging apparatus 10 for clearly viewing the screen. However, in thecase where the inner camera 23 is located at an end of the imagingapparatus 10, the user cannot be located within an imaging range of theinner camera 23 when holding the imaging apparatus 10 in a usual holdingorientation (in an orientation in which the user faces the imagingapparatus 10). For example, in the case where the inner camera 23 islocated at an upper end of the operation surface, the imaging range isslightly above the user when the user holds the imaging apparatus 10 inthe usual holding orientation, and hence a face of the user cannot belocated within the imaging range. Thus, in the case where the innercamera 23 is located at the end of the operation surface of the imagingapparatus 10, the imaging apparatus 10 has to be moved from the usualholding orientation such that the user is located within the imagingrange. However, when an image of a view seen from the imaging apparatus10 toward the user is taken, since a view line direction of the user isopposite to the imaging direction of the camera and the imagingapparatus 10 has to be held in an orientation different from the usualholding orientation, it is hard for the user to locate the imagingapparatus 10 such that the user is located within the imaging range.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when the imaging apparatus10 is in the opened state, the inner camera 23 is located in thevicinity of the center of the imaging apparatus 10. Thus, when taking animage of the user with the inner camera 23, the user only has to holdthe imaging apparatus 10 in an orientation in which the user faces theimaging apparatus 10. In other words, when holding the imaging apparatusin the usual holding orientation, the user is located in the vicinity ofa center of the imaging range, and hence it is easy to locate the userfall within the imaging range. As described above, by locating the innercamera 23 in a position in the vicinity of the center of the imagingapparatus 10 as viewed from the user, it becomes easy to take an imageof the user such that the user is located within the imaging range.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the outer camera 25 is located in an upper portionof the upper housing 21 (in a portion distant from the lower housing 11(more distant from the lower housing 11 than a center of the upperhousing 21)) when the imaging apparatus 10 is in the opened state. Thisis because since the user holds the lower housing 11 when using theimaging apparatus 10, if the outer camera 25 is located adjacent to thelower housing 11, there is a fear that a hand of the user is locatedwithin an imaging range of the outer camera 25. In the presentembodiment, the outer camera 25 is provided such that a center thereofis located in a position distant from a right end of the upper housing21 by about 20 mm and from an upper end of the upper housing 21 by about20 mm when the imaging apparatus 10 is in the opened state. It is notedthat since the outer camera 25 is not for taking an image of the userholding the imaging apparatus 10, there is a low need for providing theouter camera 25 at the center of the imaging apparatus 10. Further,since the user basically holds the lower housing 11, if the lowerhousing 11 has an appropriate thickness, the lower housing 11 is easy tohold. On the other hand, since portability is high if the imagingapparatus 10 is small in thickness when folded, it is preferable thatthe upper housing 21 be thin as much as possible. Thus, in the presentembodiment, the upper LCD 22 is located at the center of the upperhousing 21 in view of visibility, and the outer camera 25 is located inthe upper portion of the upper housing 21 avoiding a position where theupper LCD 22 is arranged. Thus, since the upper LCD 22 does not overlapwith the outer camera 25, the upper housing 21 can be made thinner.Further, since the user basically holds the lower housing 11, byproviding the outer camera 25 in the upper housing 21, a finger holdingthe lower housing 11 can be prevented from being located within theimaging range of the outer camera 25.

As shown in FIG. 3B, a microphone (a microphone 42 shown in FIG. 10) asa voice input device is accommodated in the upper housing 11. Morespecifically, similarly as the inner camera 25, the microphone ismounted to the axial portion 21A of the upper housing 21. In the presentembodiment, the microphone is mounted adjacent to the inner camera 23(on a side in the y axis direction in the drawing), and morespecifically, mounted in a position laterally distant from the innercamera 23 by 10 mm (on a side in a y-axis positive direction in thedrawing). In the axial portion 21A, a microphone hole 21C is provided ina position corresponding to the microphone (on a side of the innercamera 23) to allow the microphone to detect sound outside the imagingapparatus 10. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 15, the microphone may beaccommodated in the lower housing 11. As shown in FIG. 15, themicrophone hole 16 is provided in the inner surface of the lower housing11, more specifically, in a lower left portion of the inner surface ofthe lower housing 11 (in the button arrangement area A1). The microphoneis located in the lower housing 11 and adjacent to the microphone hole16.

As shown in FIG. 3B, a fourth LED 26 is mounted in the outer surface ofthe upper housing 21. The fourth LED 26 is mounted adjacent to the outercamera 25 (on a right side of the outer camera 25 in the presentembodiment, and above the outer camera 25 in the closed state in theexample shown in FIG. 17B). The fourth LED 26 is lit up at a time whenphotographing is performed with the inner camera 23 or the outer camera25 (the shutter button is pressed). Further, the fourth LED 26 is lit upwhile a moving picture is taken by the inner camera 23 or the outercamera 25. By the fourth LED 26, it is notified to an object personwhose image is taken that photographing is performed (being performed)by the imaging apparatus 10.

The inner surface of the upper housing 21 is formed to be substantiallyplanar. As shown in FIG. 1, at a center of the inner surface of theupper housing 21, an opening 21B is formed for exposing the upper LCD22. The screen of the upper LCD 22 accommodated in the upper housing 21is exposed from the opening 21B. Further, a sound hole 21D is formed oneach of sides of the opening 21B. Speakers are accommodated in the upperhousing 21 and at the back of the sound holes 21D. The sound holes 21Dare holes for releasing sound from the speakers therethrough.

As described above, in the inner surface of the upper housing 21,non-screen areas (dotted line areas B1 and B2 shown in FIG. 1, morespecifically, areas for arranging the speakers; speaker arrangementarea) are provided on both sides of the opening 21B provided at thecenter of the inner surface of the upper housing 21 for the upper LCD22. In the present embodiment, lengths (widths) of the lower housing 11and the upper housing 21 in the lateral direction thereof (in the ydirection in the drawing) are the same as each other. Further, widths ofthe lower LCD 12 and the upper LCD 22 in the left-right direction arethe same as each other, and the lower LCD 12 and the upper LCD 22 arelocated in the same position in the left-right direction. Thus, thespeaker arrangement areas are provided such that positions thereof inthe left-right direction correspond to positions of the buttonarrangement areas in the left-right direction. Similarly as the buttonarrangement areas, the speaker arrangement areas are designed to have adimension of at least 15 mm or more (preferably 20 mm or more, morepreferably 30 to 40 mm, and 32 mm in the present embodiment) in thelateral direction. In the present embodiment, concerning the left-rightdirection, the two sound holes 21D are located in the vicinity ofcenters of the speaker arrangement areas in the left-right direction,respectively. Further, concerning an up-down direction, the sound holes21D are located in lower portions of the speaker arrangement areas (inportions close to the lower housing 11), respectively. Alternatively, asshown in FIG. 15, the speakers and the sound holes 21D are locatedslightly higher than in FIG. 1. Further, as shown in FIG. 15, aplurality of sound holes 21D (six in FIG. 15) maybe provided for onespeaker.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the non-screen areas areprovided in the lower housing 11 and the upper housing 21 in the sameposition in the left-right direction. Thus, the imaging apparatus 10 hasa configuration to be easily held when held sideways as shown in FIG. 5as well as when held lengthwise (in a state where the imaging apparatus10 is rotated 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise). FIGS. 8 and 9are views showing a state where the user holds the imaging apparatus 10lengthwise. FIG. 8 shows a state where the imaging apparatus 10 is heldwith a left hand, and FIG. 9 shows a state where the imaging apparatus10 is held with a right hand. A right-handed user may rotate the imagingapparatus 10 90 degrees counterclockwise, and hold the imaging apparatus10 with a left hand as shown in FIG. 8. A left-handed user may rotatethe imaging apparatus 10 90 degrees clockwise, and hold the imagingapparatus 10 with a right hand as shown in FIG. 9. In either case, theuser can hold the imaging apparatus 10 while contacting the projectionportion (the axial portions 11A and 21A) with a thumb and the uppersurface of the lower housing 11 with an index finger. As describedabove, the step is formed between the outer surface of the lower housing11 and the outer surface of the upper housing 21 (see FIG. 2), theimaging apparatus 10 can be stably held by contacting the step with theindex finger. The shutter button (the button 14G or 14H) can be easilypressed by a dominant hand which is not holding the imaging apparatus10.

Since the non-screen areas are provided on both sides of the LCDs 12 and22 as described above, when the imaging apparatus 10 is held lengthwisewith either hand, a thumb is not located on the screen. In other words,when held lengthwise, the imaging apparatus 10 is easy to hold, andvisibility of the screen and operability of the touch panel aremaintained. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the projection portion projectswith respect to the lower housing 11 further than the key tops of thebuttons 14A to 14E (the direction input button 14A in FIG. 4). Thus, ifa thumb holding the imaging apparatus 10 lengthwise is located above abutton, there is a low possibility that the user accidentally pressesthe button, and an accidental input can be prevented. Further, since theimaging apparatus 10 has a dimension of 100 to 200 mm in length in theopened state, when held lengthwise, the imaging apparatus 10 has anenough width substantially equal to the width of the imaging apparatus10 when held sideways, and hence is not hard to hold. When the imagingapparatus 10 is held lengthwise, the angle between the housings may bethe predetermined angle smaller than 180 degrees. By making the anglebetween the housings become slightly smaller than 180 degrees, the outersurfaces of the housings 11 and 21 fit into a shape of a hand, and henceit becomes easier to hold the imaging apparatus 10.

As described above, the cameras 23 and 25 which are the configurationsfor taking an image, and the upper LCD 22 which is display means fordisplaying the taken image are provided in the upper housing 21. On theother hand, the input devices for performing an operation input withrespect to the imaging apparatus 10 (the touch panel 13 and the buttons14A to 14I) are provided in the lower housing 11. Thus, when using theimaging apparatus 10, the user can hold the lower housing 11 and performan input with respect to the input device while looking at a taken image(an image taken by the camera) displayed on the upper LCD 22.

The imaging apparatus 10 is suitable for performing photographing in astate where the imaging apparatus 10 is held by the user as well as forperforming photographing in a state where the imaging apparatus 10 isplaced on a stand, or the like. More specifically, the lower housing 11is placed on a surface, and the angle between the two housings 11 and 21is adjusted such that the upper housing 21 is inclined at a desiredangle with respect to the lower housing 11. Thus, even when not holdingthe imaging apparatus 10, the user can perform photographing at anoptional angle of the upper housing 21 (the imaging direction of thecamera). Since the imaging apparatus 10 includes the two cameras 23 and25, photographing can be performed in different directions by changing acamera for performing photographing between the inner camera 23 and theouter camera 25 without moving the imaging apparatus 10 placed on thestand. It is noted that when photographing is performed with eithercamera, the imaging direction can be changed by adjusting the anglebetween the two housings 11 and 21. It is noted that the imagingapparatus 10 may have a self-timer function in which photographing isperformed after a predetermined time period from a time when the shutterbutton is pressed. When photographing is performed with the self-timerfunction, the user does not hold the imaging apparatus 10. Thus,adjustment of the imaging direction of the camera to an optionaldirection as in the present embodiment is particularly convenient.Further, in the present embodiment, the two cameras 23 and 25 for takingimages in different directions are provided in the upper housing 21.Thus, even when the imaging apparatus 10 is placed and photographing isperformed, both of the cameras 23 and 25 can be used. Further, in thepresent embodiment, since the lower housing 11 is formed in thehorizontally long shape, stability is increased when the imagingapparatus 10 is placed, and the imaging apparatus 10 can be hard to falldown.

Alternatively, the imaging apparatus 10 may change an LCD for displayinga real-time image taking by the camera 23 or 25 between the upper LCD 22and the lower LCD 12, for example, by a change instruction from theuser. In this case, for example, when the imaging apparatus 10 is placedand used on a stand, the change may be made so as to display a real-timeimage on the lower LCD 12. This is because when the imaging apparatus 10is placed and used on the stand, since the angle of the upper housing 21needs to be changed for adjusting the imaging direction of the camera,the user can easily look at a real-time image displayed on the lower LCD12 of the lower housing 11 whose angle does not need to be changed.

According to the above configuration, the imaging apparatus 10 includesthe buttons and the touch panel as input devices. Thus, the imagingapparatus 10 is capable of selecting an appropriate input device as aninput device to be used for performing an input operation depending on atype (characteristic) of the input operation. For example, concerning ashutter operation, it is preferable that the user have actual feeling ofperforming the operation and that the operation have a certain stroke.Thus, the shutter operation may be performed using the button. Further,concerning later-described editing processing, it is preferable that anoperation be performed using the touch panel.

In the present embodiment, the imaging apparatus 10 is configured to befoldable by pivotably connecting the lower housing 11 to the upperhousing 12. In an alternative embodiment, the lower housing 11 may beconnected to the upper housing 12 by another configuration or in anothermanner. For example, two plate-like housings may be connected to eachother such that one of the housings is slidable or pivotable withrespect to the other housing while being in parallel with the otherhousing. Even by this, similarly as in the above embodiment, the twohousings can be in an opened state or a closed state. Alternatively, inthe above embodiment, the upper housing 21 may be configured such thatthe axial portion 21A and the other portion thereof are rotatable withrespect to each other about an axis in the up-down direction. Accordingto this, by providing only one camera in the upper housing 21, thecamera can be easily directed in either the view line direction of theuser or a direction opposite to the view line direction.

(Internal Configuration of Imaging Apparatus 10)

The following will describe an electrical configuration of the imagingapparatus 10 with reference to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a block diagramshowing an internal configuration of the imaging apparatus 10. As shownin FIG. 10, the imaging apparatus 10 includes electronic componentsincluding a CPU 31, a main memory 32, a memory control circuit 33, astored data memory 34, a preset data memory 35, a memory card interface(memory card I/F) 36, a wireless communication module 37, a localcommunication module 38, a real time clock (RTC) 39, a power circuit 40,an interface circuit (I/F circuit) 41, and the like. These electroniccomponents are mounted on an electronic circuit substrate andaccommodated in the lower housing 11 (or may be accommodated in theupper housing 21).

Although various electronic circuits and a battery of the imagingapparatus 10 may be accommodated in either the upper housing 21 or thelower housing 11, it is preferable that the imaging apparatus 10 bedesigned such that a weight of the lower housing 11 is heavier than thatof the upper housing 21. More specifically, it is preferable that theweight of the lower housing 11 range from 100 to 200 g and that theweight of the upper housing 21 range from 50 to 100 g. Further, it ismore preferable that the weight of the lower housing 11 range from 130to 150 g and that the weight of the upper housing 21 range from 70 to 90g. In the present embodiment, the weight of the lower housing 11 isabout 150 g, and the weight of the upper housing is about 75 g. Further,it is preferable that concerning a ratio between the weight of the lowerhousing 11 and the weight of the upper housing 21, (the weight of thelower housing 11): (the weight of the upper housing 21) range from 1.5:1to 3:1 (more preferably, 2:1). For example, it is preferable that thebattery, the circuit substrate on which the CPU is mounted, the cardconnector, and the like be accommodated in the lower housing 11.Further, it is preferable that minimal components such as an LCD unit(the upper LCD 22, and the like), an imaging unit (the cameras 23 and25, and the like), a speaker unit, and the like be accommodated in theupper housing 21. By designing the imaging apparatus 10 such that theweight of the lower housing 11 is heavier than that of the upper housing21, the imaging apparatus 10 becomes hard to fall down when placed on astand. Further, by making the lower housing 11 held by the user heavierthan the upper housing 21, stability is increased when the imagingapparatus 10 is held, and hand movement can be prevented when performingphotographing.

The CPU 31 is information processing means for executing a predeterminedprogram. In the present embodiment, the predetermined program is storedin a memory (e.g. the stored data memory 34) within the imagingapparatus 10, and the CPU 31 executes later-described photographingprocessing (FIG. 11) by executing the predetermined program. It is notedthat the program executed by the CPU 31 may be stored in advance in amemory within the imaging apparatus 10, may be obtained from the memorycard 28, or may be obtained from another apparatus by means ofcommunication with the other apparatus.

The main memory 32, the memory control circuit 33, and the preset datamemory 35 are connected to the CPU 31. The stored data memory 34 isconnected to the memory control circuit 33. The main memory 32 isstorage means used as a work area and a buffer area of the CPU 31. Inother words, the main memory 32 stores various data used in thephotographing processing, and also stores a program obtained from theoutside (the memory card 28, another apparatus, and the like). In thepresent embodiment, for example, a PSRAM (Pseudo-SRAM) is used as themain memory 32. The stored data memory 34 is storage means for storingthe program executed by the CPU 31, data of images taken by the cameras23 and 25, and the like. The stored data memory 34 is constructed of,for example, a NAND flash memory. The memory control circuit 33 is acircuit for controlling reading of data from the stored data memory 34or writing of data to the stored data memory 34 in accordance with aninstruction from the CPU 31. The preset data memory 35 is storage meansfor storing data (preset data) of various parameters which are set inadvance in the imaging apparatus 10, and the like. A flash memoryconnected to the CPU 31 via an SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) bus canbe used as the preset data memory 35.

The memory card I/F 36 is connected to the CPU 31. The memory card I/F36 reads data from the memory card 28 mounted to the connector or writesdata to the memory card 28 in accordance with an instruction from theCPU 31. In the present embodiment, data of images taken by the cameras23 and 25 are written to the memory card 28, and the image data storedin the memory card 28 are read from the memory card 28 to be stored inthe stored data memory 34.

The wireless communication module 37 functions to connect to a wirelessLAN device by a method conformed to the standard of IEEE 802.11.b/g. Thelocal communication module 38 functions to wirelessly communicate withan imaging apparatus of the same type by a predetermined communicationmethod. The wireless communication module 37 and the local communicationmodule 38 are connected to the CPU 31. The CPU 31 is capable ofreceiving data from and sending data to another apparatus via theInternet by using the wireless communication module 37, and capable ofreceiving data from and sending data from another imaging apparatus ofthe same type by using the local communication module 38.

The RTC 39 and the power circuit 40 are connected to the CPU 31. The RTC39 counts a time, and outputs the time to the CPU 31. The CPU 31calculates a current time (date) based on the time counted by the RTC39. The power circuit 40 controls electric power from a power supply(the battery accommodated in the lower housing) of the imaging apparatus10 to supply the electric power to each electronic component of theimaging apparatus 10.

The imaging apparatus 10 includes the microphone 42 and an amplifier 43.The microphone 42 and the amplifier 43 are connected to the I/F circuit41. The microphone 42 detects sound, and outputs a sound signal to theI/F circuit 41. The amplifier 43 amplifies the sound signal from the I/Fcircuit 41, and causes the speaker (not shown) to output the soundsignal. The I/F circuit 41 is connected to the CPU 31. The touch panel13 is connected to the I/F circuit 41. The I/F circuit 41 includes asound control circuit for controlling the microphone 42 and theamplifier 43 (the speaker) and a touch panel control circuit forcontrolling the touch panel. The sound control circuit performs A/Dconversion or D/A conversion on the sound signal, and converts the soundsignal into sound data in a predetermined format. The touch panelcontrol circuit generates touch position data in a predetermined formatbased on a signal from the touch panel 13, and outputs the touchposition data to the CPU 31. The touch position data indicatescoordinates of a position on an input surface of the touch panel 13 atwhich an input is performed. The touch panel control circuit reads asignal from the touch panel 13 and generates touch position data every apredetermined time period. The CPU 31 can recognize a position at whichan input is performed with respect to the touch panel 13 by obtainingthe touch position data.

An operation section 14 includes the above buttons 14A to 14I, and isconnected to the CPU 31. The operation section 14 outputs operation dataindicative of an input state with respect to each of the buttons 14A to14I (whether or not each button is pressed) to the CPU 31. The CPU 31obtains the operation data from the operation section 14, and executesprocessing in accordance with an input with respect to the operationsection 14.

The cameras 23 and 25 are connected to the CPU 31. Each of the cameras23 and 25 takes an image in accordance with an instruction from the CPU31, and outputs data of the taken image to the CPU 31. In the presentembodiment, the CPU 31 gives an imaging performing instruction to thecamera 23 or 25, and the camera which has received the imagingperforming instruction takes an image and sends image data to the CPU31.

The LCDs 12 and 22 are connected to the CPU 31. Each of the LCDs 12 and22 displays an image thereon in accordance with an instruction from theCPU 31. In the present embodiment, the CPU 31 causes a taken imageobtained from the camera 23 or 25 to be displayed on the upper LCD 22,and an operation screen generated by predetermined processing to bedisplayed on the lower LCD 12.

Although not shown in the drawings, the imaging apparatus 10 has avibration function to vibrate itself. The vibration function is used,for example, for giving information to the user (e.g. for notifying theuser of error in operation, excess of capacity, and the like). In thepresent embodiment, since it is assumed that the user holds the lowerhousing 11 during use, it is preferable that a device for achieving thevibration function (e.g. a vibrator such as a vibration motor, asolenoid, and the like) be accommodated in the lower housing 21. Thus,vibrations can be conveyed to the user holding the imaging apparatus 10(the lower housing 21).

(Photographing Processing in Imaging Apparatus 10)

The following will describe an operation of the imaging apparatus 10with reference to FIGS. 11 and 5. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing aprocedure of photographing processing in the imaging apparatus 10. Whenthe power is applied to the imaging apparatus 10 by pressing the powerbutton 14F, the CPU 31 of the imaging apparatus 10 initializes the mainmemory 32 and the like, and then starts executing a program forexecuting the photographing processing shown in FIG. 11. It is notedthat a processing loop of steps S1 to S9 is executed every apredetermined time period (e.g. every 1/60 sec.).

At the step S1 shown in FIG. 11, the CPU 31 obtains data of an imagetaken by the inner camera 23 or the outer camera 25. In the presentembodiment, an image is taken by either the camera 23 or 25. At the stepS1, the CPU 31 obtains image data only from the camera. In the presentembodiment, at a time of start of the photographing processing, a camerafor taking an image is set to the outer camera 25. Subsequent to thestep S1, processing at the step S2 is executed.

The image data obtained from the camera 23 or 25 at the step S1 isdisplayed on the lower LCD 12. FIG. 12 is a view showing an example ofimages displayed on the LCDs 12 and 22. FIG. 12 shows an image in thecase where there is no image inputted by the user in later-describedinput image generation processing. As shown in FIG. 12, the CPU 31causes a real-time image (a taken image) 52 taken by the camera 23 or 25to be displayed on the lower LCD 12. It is noted that an image 51 forexplaining a manner of an operation to the user is displayed on theupper LCD 12. In the present embodiment, the CPU 31 causes variousbutton images 53 to 61 to be displayed on the lower LCD 12 along withthe taken image. Each of the button images 53 to 61 is an image forperforming an instruction with respect to the imaging apparatus 10 bythe user performing a touch input with respect to a position of theimage. The following will describe the button images 53 to 61.

The pen mode image 53, the eraser mode image 54, and the seal mode image55 are images for changing an editing mode. In the present embodiment,three modes, namely, a pen mode, a seal mode, and an eraser mode, areprepared in advance. In the pen mode, an image of an input line inputtedwith respect to the touch panel 13 can be added to the taken image. Inthe seal mode, a seal image prepared in advance can be added to thetaken image. In the eraser mode, an image added in the pen mode or theseal mode can be deleted. The pen mode image 53 is an image forperforming an instruction to change the editing mode to the pen mode.The eraser mode image 54 is an image for performing an instruction tochange the editing mode to the eraser mode. The seal mode image 55 is animage for performing an instruction to change the editing mode to theseal mode.

The thickness change image 56 is an image for performing an instructionto change a thickness of a line inputted in the pen mode. The colorchange image 57 is an image for performing an instruction to change acolor of a line inputted in the pen mode. The all deletion image 58 isan image for performing an instruction to delete all images added in thepen mode or the seal mode.

By performing instructions using the button images 53 to 58, the usercan input an image on the taken image displayed on the lower LCD 12 (soas to be superimposed on the taken image). Hereinafter, an imageinputted by the user is referred to as an “input image”. Processing ofgenerating an input image (input image generation processing) will bedescribed in detail later.

The end image 59 is an image for performing an instruction to end thephotographing processing. The photographing instruction image 60 is animage for performing a photographing instruction. In the presentembodiment, the photographing instruction is an instruction to store animage displayed on the lower LCD 12 (an image obtained by superimposingan input image on an taken image). It is noted that it is preferablethat the photographing instruction image 60 be displayed substantiallyat the center of the lower housing 11 (in the left-right direction) forproviding an easy operation when the user operates the photographinginstruction image 60 with either a right hand or a left hand. Thus, ifthe lower LCD 12 is not located substantially at the center of the lowerhousing 11, it is preferable that the CPU 31 display the photographinginstruction image 60 so as to be located substantially at the center ofthe lower housing 11, not at the center of the lower LCD 12. The camerachange image 61 is an image for performing a camera change instruction.The camera change instruction is an instruction to change a camera fortaking an image between the inner camera 23 and the outer camera 25.

At the step S2, the CPU 31 accepts an input with respect to each inputdevice. In other words, the CPU 31 obtains operation data from theoperation section 14, and obtains touch position data from the touchpanel 13. The obtained operation data and touch position data are storedin the main memory 32. Subsequent to the step S2, processing at the stepS3 is executed.

At the step S3, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the camera changeinstruction has been performed. In the present embodiment, the camerachange instruction is performed by pressing a predetermined button (e.g.the button 14B, the button 14C, the button 14D, or the button 14E), orby performing an input with respect to the touch panel 13 by touching anarea where the camera change image 61 is displayed. Thus, in thedetermination processing at the step S3, the CPU 31 determines whetheror not the predetermined button has been pressed or an input to touchthe area where the camera change image 61 is displayed has beenperformed. The determination at the step S3 can be made by referring tothe operation data and the touch position data which are stored in themain memory 32 at the step S2. When a result of the determination at thestep S3 is positive, processing at the step S4 is executed. On the otherhand, when the result of the determination at the step S3 is negative,processing at the later-described step S5 is executed.

At the step S4, the CPU 31 changes the camera for taking an image. Inother words, when the camera for taking an image is the inner camera 23,the CPU 31 changes the camera for taking an image to the outer camera25. When the camera for taking an image is the outer camera 25, the CPU31 changes the camera for taking an image to the inner camera 23. Morespecifically, the CPU 31 gives an instruction to stop an operation toone of the cameras 23 and 25 taking an image, and gives an instructionto perform imaging (an imaging performing instruction) to the othercamera. When the processing at the step S4 is executed, at the step S1executed the next time, data of an image taken by the camera after thechange is obtained by the CPU 31, and at the step S6 executed the nexttime, the image taken by the camera after the change is displayed on thelower LCD 12. Subsequent to the step S4, the processing at the step S1is executed again.

At the step S5, the CPU 31 executes the input image generationprocessing. The input image generation processing is processing ofgenerating an input image by an input by the user. The following willdescribe the input image generation processing in detail with referenceto FIGS. 13 and 14.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a procedure of the input imagegeneration processing (the step S5) shown in FIG. 11. In the input imagegeneration processing, at a step S11, the CPU 31 determines whether ornot an operation for generating an input image has been performed. Inother words, the CPU 31 determines whether or not an input to touch,among the input surface of the touch panel 13, an area where the takenimage is displayed has been performed. The determination at the step S11can be made by determining whether or not the touch position dataobtained at the step S2 indicates a position in the area where the takenimage is displayed. When a result of the determination at the step S11is positive, processing at a step S12 is executed. On the other hand,when the result of the determination at the step S11 is negative,processing at a later-described step S17 is executed.

At the step S12, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a current editingmode is the pen mode. It is noted that in the present embodiment, theediting mode is set to the pen mode at a time of start of the editingprocessing. When a result of the determination at the step S12 ispositive, processing at a step S13 is executed. On the other hand, whenthe result of the determination at the step S12 is negative, processingat a later-described step S14 is executed.

At the step S13, processing in the pen mode is executed. In other words,the CPU 31 draws an image of a line of a touch input performed on thetaken image. More specifically, the CPU 31 draws an image of a lineconnecting positions indicated by the touch position data which has beenobtained at the step S2 until now in a memory (a frame buffer) whichstores image data to be displayed on the LCDs 12 and 22. It is notedthat a thickness and a color of a drawn line are determined inaccordance with content which is set at a later-described step S20. Theprocessing at the step S13 may be any processing as long as theprocessing is processing of generating and drawing an image showing anline at a position at which an input is performed by the user withrespect to the touch panel 13. An example of such processing is shown atlater-described steps S52 and S53. FIG. 14 is a view showing an exampleof images displayed on the LCDs 12 and 22 in the pen mode. When theprocessing at the step S13 is executed, at later-described displayprocessing (the step S6), an input image showing a line drawn by theuser is displayed so as to be superimposed on the taken image displayedon the lower LCD 12 (see FIG. 14). Subsequent to the step S13,processing at a later-described step S17 is executed.

On the other hand, at the step S14, the CPU 31 determines whether or notthe current editing mode is the seal mode. When a result of thedetermination at the step S14 is positive (namely, when the currentediting mode is the seal mode), processing at a step S15 is executed. Onthe other hand, when the result of the determination at the step S14 isnegative (namely, when the current editing mode is the eraser mode),processing at a later-described step S16 is executed.

At the step S15, processing in the seal mode is executed. In otherwords, the CPU 31 draws a predetermined seal image at a position atwhich a touch input is performed on the taken image. More specifically,the CPU 31 draws the predetermined seal image at a position indicated bythe touch position data obtained at the step S2. It is noted that theprocessing at the step S15 may be any processing as long as theprocessing is processing of generating and drawing the predeterminedseal image at a position at which an input is performed by the user withrespect to the touch panel 13. An example of such processing is shown atlater-described steps S60 and S61. When the processing at the step S15is executed, at the later-described display processing (the step S6),the predetermined seal image which is an input image is displayed so asto be superimposed on the taken image displayed on the lower LCD 12. Itis noted that the CPU 31 may prepare a plurality of seal images inadvance, and may cause the user to select a seal image to be drawn amongthe plurality of seal images. Subsequent to the step S15, the processingat the later-described step S17 is executed.

On the other hand, at the step S16, processing in the eraser mode isexecuted. In other words, the CPU 31 deletes the input image (the imageof the line or the seal image) on an editing image in accordance with aninput with respect to the touch panel 13. More specifically, the CPU 31deletes the input image drawn at the position indicated by the touchposition data obtained at the step S2. Subsequent to the step S16, theprocessing at the step S17 is executed.

At the step S17, the CPU 31 determines whether or not an instruction todelete all inputs images has been performed. More specifically, the CPU31 determines whether or not an input to touch an area where the alldeletion image 58 is displayed has been performed. When a result of thedetermination at the step S17 is positive, processing at a step S18 isexecuted. On the other hand, when the result of the determination at thestep S17 is negative, the processing at the step S18 is skipped, andprocessing at a later-described step S19 is executed.

At the step S18, the CPU 31 deletes all input image which have beengenerated and drawn until now. Thus, the user can start an operation fordrawing an input image from the beginning by touching the all deletionimage 58. Subsequent to the step S18, processing at the step S19 isexecuted.

At the step S19, the CPU 31 determines whether or not an instruction tochange settings concerning the operation for generating an input imagehas been performed. More specifically, the CPU 31 determines whether ornot an input to touch an area where each of the button images 53 to 57is displayed has been performed. When a result of the determination atthe step S19 is positive, processing at a step S20 is executed. On theother hand, when the result of the determination at the step S19 isnegative, the processing at the step S19 is skipped, and the CPU 31terminates the input image generation processing.

At the step S20, the CPU 31 changes the settings in accordance with theinstruction performed. In other words, when a touch input is performedwith respect to any of the mode images 53 to 55, the CPU 31 changes theediting mode to a mode corresponding to a mode image with respect towhich the touch input has been performed. When a touch input isperformed with respect to the thickness change image 56, the CPU 31changes settings of a thickness of a line generated in the pen mode.More specifically, the CPU 31 displays a plurality of lines of differentthicknesses, causes the user to select a line of a desired thicknessamong the plurality of lines of different thicknesses, and changes thesettings of a thickness of a line to the selected thickness. When atouch input is performed with respect to the color change image 57, theCPU 31 changes a color of a line generated in the pen mode. Morespecifically, the CPU 31 displays a plurality of images of a pluralityof colors, causes the user to select a desired color among the pluralityof colors, and changes settings of a color of a line to the selectedcolor. After the end of the step S20, the CPU 31 terminates the inputimage generation processing.

By the above step S5, the user can input an image on the taken imagedisplayed on the lower LCD 12 (so as to be superimposed on the takenimage). It is noted that in the present embodiment, although theprocessing of adding an image drawn by the user or a seal image preparedin advance to the taken image has been described as an example, in analternative embodiment, the CPU 31 may execute processing of distortingthe taken image, processing of altering expression of the face(processing of detecting a feature point of the face through imagerecognition processing, and of changing a position of the feature point)when a face of a person is included in the taken image, processing ofconverting a taken image into an image which is line symmetrical about aline, and the like.

Referring back to FIG. 11, at the step S6 subsequent to the step S5, theCPU 31 executes the display processing of displaying predeterminedimages on the LCDs 12 and 22. More specifically, like the image 51 shownin FIG. 12, an image for explaining a manner of an operation to the useris displayed on the upper LCD 12. The taken image obtained at the stepS1 and the button images 53 to 61 are displayed on the lower LCD 12 (seeFIG. 12). Further, when an input image is generated and drawn in theinput image generation processing, the input image is displayed on thetaken image (see FIG. 14). It is noted that in the present embodiment,since the processing at the steps S1 to S6 are repeatedly executed, thetaken image is different each time. Thus, the user can add an inputimage on an image taken by the camera 23 or 25 in real time. Subsequentto the step S6, processing at the step S7 is executed.

At the step S7, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a photographinginstruction has been performed. In the present embodiment, thephotographing instruction is performed by pressing a predeterminedbutton (e.g. the button 14G or the button 14H), or by performing aninput to touch an area where the photographing instruction image 60 isdisplayed with respect to the touch panel 13. Thus, in the determinationprocessing at the step S7, the CPU 31 determines whether or not thepredetermined button has been pressed or the input to touch the areawhere the photographing instruction image 60 is displayed has beenperformed. The determination at the step S7 can be made by referring tothe operation data and the touch position data which are stored in themain memory 32 at the step S2. When a result of the determination at thestep S7 is positive, processing at the step S8 is executed. On the otherhand, when the result of the determination at the step S7 is negative,processing at the later-described step S9 is executed.

At the step S8, the CPU 31 stores the taken image and the input imagewhich are currently displayed on the lower LCD 12. In other words, dataof the taken image and the input image which are displayed at the stepS5 are stored in the stored data memory 34. Thus, the user can store thetaken image and the input image added on the taken image. Subsequent tothe step S8, the processing at the step S9 is executed.

At the step S9, the CPU 31 determines whether to terminate the editingprocessing. The determination is made by determining whether or not aninstruction to terminate the editing processing has been performed bythe user. More specifically, the determination at the step S9 is made bydetermining whether or not a touch input has been performed with respectto an area of the end image 59 displayed on the lower LCD 12. When aresult of the determination at the step S9 is negative, the CPU 31executes the processing at the step S1 again. After that, the processingloop of the steps S1 to S9 is repeatedly executed until thephotographing processing is determined to be terminated at the step S9.On the other hand, when the result of the determination at the step S9is positive, the CPU 31 terminates the photographing processing shown inFIG. 11.

By the photographing processing described above, the user can store animage taken by the camera in accordance with the photographinginstruction. In the present embodiment, the two display devices areincluded, an image being currently taken is displayed on one of thedisplay devices, and an image for explaining an operation is displayedon the other display device. Thus, since the user can perform thephotographing operation while looking at the image for explaining theoperation as well as the currently taken image, the user-friendlyimaging apparatus 10 can be provided. Further, in the presentembodiment, by providing the touch panel 13 in the lower LCD 12, anoperation can be performed more easily.

Further, in the present embodiment, the user can perform thephotographing operation by pressing the button 14G or the button 14H. Byusing the button 14G or the button 14H as the shutter button, the usercan press the shutter button while holding the lower housing 11 withboth hands. Thus, the photographing operation can be performed moreeasily. In an alternative embodiment, some of the buttons 14B to 14E maybe used as the shutter button. In this case, similarly as in the presentembodiment, the user can press the shutter button while holding thelower housing 11 with both hands. Alternatively, some buttons of thedirection input button A (e.g. one direction input; e.g. a left input)and one of the buttons 14B to 14E (e.g. the button 14D) may have afunction of the shutter button. By doing so, either a left-handed useror a right-handed user can easily operate the shutter button.

(Modified Example of Photographing Processing)

In the above embodiment, in the photographing processing, the case wherethe user adds an input image to an image obtained in real time has beendescribed as an example. However, in the photographing processing, theuser may add an input image to an image (a still image) taken by theimaging apparatus 10. The following will describe a modified example ofthe photographing processing with reference to FIGS. 18 to 22.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing a procedure of photographing processingaccording to the modified example. When the power is applied to theimaging apparatus 10 by pressing the power button 14F, the CPU 31 of theimaging apparatus 10 initializes the main memory 32 and the like, andthen starts executing a program for executing the photographingprocessing shown in FIG. 18. It is noted that a processing loop of stepsS31 to S44 is executed every a predetermined time period (e.g. every1/60 sec.) except for a period when editing processing (the step S43) isexecuted.

At the step S31 shown in FIG. 18, the CPU 31 obtains data of an imagetaken by the inner camera 23 or the outer camera 25. In the presentmodified example, an image is taken by either the camera 23 or 25. Atthe step S31, the CPU 31 obtains image data only from the camera. In thepresent modified example, at a time of start of the photographingprocessing, a camera for taking an image is set to the outer camera 25.Subsequent to the step S31, processing at the step S32 is executed.

At the step S32, the CPU 31 executes display processing of displayingpredetermined images on the LCDs 12 and 22. FIG. 19 is a view showing anexample of images displayed on the LCDs 12 and 22 at the step S32. Asshown in FIG. 19, the CPU 31 causes a real-time image (a taken image) 51taken by the camera 23 or 25 to be displayed on the upper LCD 22. Inother words, the CPU 31 outputs the image data obtained at the step S31to the upper LCD 22. Further, in the present modified example, an image72 showing a current date is displayed on the upper LCD 22 so as to besuperimposed on the taken image 71.

In the present modified example, magnification data indicative of amagnification of the taken image displayed on the upper LCD 22 is storedin the main memory 32. At the step S32, the taken image is displayed onthe upper LCD 22 with a magnification indicated by the magnificationdata. In other words, the CPU 31 determines an area in the taken imageto be displayed in accordance with the magnification, zooms in an imageof the determined area to have a size of the upper LCD 22 as needed, anddisplays the image on the upper LCD 22. It is noted that at a time ofstart of the photographing processing, the magnification data is set soas to indicate a predetermined magnification (e.g. a magnification (onetime) with which an entirety of the taken image is displayed on theupper LCD 22). Content of the magnification data is changed when alater-described zoom change instruction is performed. Thus, when thetaken image is zoomed in and displayed on the upper LCD 22, not theentirety but only a part of the taken image may be displayed.

On the other hand, the CPU 31 causes an operation screen for operatingthe imaging apparatus 10 to be displayed on the lower LCD 12. As shownin FIG. 32, the operation screen displayed at the step S32 includesstored images 73A to 73D, and instruction images 74 to 78 for performingvarious instructions with respect to the imaging apparatus 10 using thetouch panel 13.

The stored images 73A to 73D are images which are previously taken bythe imaging apparatus 10 and stored in the imaging apparatus 10 (or maybe stored in the memory card 28) (referred to as stored images). In thepresent modified example, among the stored images, a predeterminednumber of images are displayed on the lower LCD 12. It is noted that inthe main memory 32, data indicative of stored images to be displayed onthe lower LCD 12 (displayed stored images) is stored as displayed storedimage data. The displayed stored image data is, for example, dataindicative of IDs assigned to the stored images. In FIG. 19, the storedimages 73A to 73D are aligned and displayed in order of date (time anddate) when photographing is performed. Here, the leftmost stored image73A is an image taken at the oldest time, and a photographing timebecomes recent in order of the stored image 73B which is second from theleft, the stored image 73C which is second from the right, and therightmost stored image 73D. In the present modified example, aninstruction to perform editing processing for editing a stored image (anediting instruction) can be performed by performing an input to touchthe displayed stored images 73A to 73D with respect to the touch panel13.

Further, as the above instruction images, the photographing instructionimage 74, the camera change image 75, the zoom bar 76, the zoom cursor77, and the display change images 78A and 78B are displayed on the lowerLCD 12. The photographing instruction image 74 is an image forperforming a photographing instruction using the touch panel 13. Thephotographing instruction is an instruction for causing the camera 23 or25 of the imaging apparatus 10 to perform photographing. The camerachange image 75 is an image for performing a camera change instructionusing the touch panel 13. The camera change instruction is aninstruction to change the camera for taking an image between the innercamera 23 and the outer camera 25. The zoom bar 76 and the zoom cursor77 are images for performing a zoom change instruction using the touchpanel 13. The zoom change instruction is an instruction to zoom in/outthe taken image displayed on the upper LCD 22. The display change images78A and 78B are images for performing a display change instruction. Thedisplay change instruction is an instruction to change stored images tobe displayed as the stored images 73A to 73D on the lower LCD 12 amongthe stored images which are stored in the imaging apparatus 10. A mannerfor performing each of these instructions, and processing executed bythe imaging apparatus 10 in accordance with each of the instructionswill be described later.

Referring back to FIG. 18, subsequent to the step S32, processing at thestep S33 is executed. At the step S33, the CPU 31 accepts an input withrespect to each input device. In other words, the CPU 31 obtainsoperation data from the operation section 14, and obtains touch positiondata from the touch panel 13. The obtained operation data and touchposition data are stored in the main memory 32. Subsequent to the stepS33, processing at the step S34 is executed.

At the step S34, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the photographinginstruction has been performed. In the present modified example, thephotographing instruction is performed by pressing a predeterminedbutton (e.g. the button 14G or the button 14H), or by performing aninput to touch an area where the photographing instruction image 74 isdisplayed with respect to the touch panel 13. Thus, in the determinationprocessing at the step S34, the CPU 31 determines whether or not thepredetermined button has been pressed or the input to touch the areawhere the photographing instruction image 74 is displayed has beenperformed. The determination at the step S34 can be made by referring tothe operation data and the touch position data which are stored in themain memory 32 at the step S33. When a result of the determination atthe step S34 is positive, processing at the step S35 is executed. On theother hand, when the result of the determination at the step S34 isnegative, processing at the later-described step S36 is executed.

At the step S35, the CPU 31 executes the photographing processing. Inother words, the CPU 31 stores the image data obtained from the cameraat the step S31 in the stored data memory 34. In an alternativeembodiment, the CPU 31 may cause the image data obtained from the cameraat the step S31 to be displayed on either the LCD 12 or 22, and inquireof the user whether or not to store the image data. Only when the userperforms an instruction to store the image data, the CPU 31 may storethe image data in the stored data memory 34. Further, in an alternativeembodiment, the CPU 31 may store data of the taken image in the memorycard 28, or may cause the user to select which the image data is to bestored in an apparatus body (the stored data memory 34) or in the memorycard 28. Subsequent to the step S35, processing at the later-describedstep S42 is executed.

On the other hand, at the step S36, the CPU 31 determines whether or notthe camera change instruction has been performed. In the presentmodified example, the camera change instruction is performed by pressinga predetermined button (e.g. the button 14B, the button 14C, the button14D, or the button 14E), or by performing an input to touch an areawhere the camera change image 75 is displayed with respect to the touchpanel 13. Thus, in the determination processing at the step S36, the CPU31 determines whether or not the predetermined button has been pressedor the input to touch the area where the camera change image 75 isdisplayed has been performed. The determination at the step S36 can bemade by referring to the operation data and the touch position datawhich are stored in the main memory 32 at the step S33. When a result ofthe determination at the step S36 is positive, processing at the stepS37 is executed. On the other hand, when the result of the determinationat the step S36 is negative, processing at the later-described step S38is executed.

At the step S37, the CPU 31 changes the camera for taking an image. Inother words, when the camera for taking an image is the inner camera 23,the CPU 31 changes the camera for taking an image to the outer camera25. When the camera for taking an image is the outer camera 25, the CPU31 changes the camera for taking an image to the inner camera 23. Morespecifically, the CPU 31 gives an instruction to stop an operation toone of the cameras 23 and 25 taking an image, and gives an instructionto perform imaging (an imaging performing instruction) to the othercamera. When the processing at the step S37 is executed, at the step S31executed the next time, data of an image taken by the camera after thechange is obtained by the CPU 31, and at the step S37 executed the nexttime, the image taken by the camera after the change is displayed on theupper LCD 22. Subsequent to the step S37, processing at thelater-described step S42 is executed.

On the other hand, at the step S38, the CPU 31 determines whether or notthe zoom change instruction has been performed. In the present modifiedexample, the zoom change instruction is performed by moving the zoomcursor 77 on the zoom bar 76 upward or downward by a predeterminedbutton (e.g. an up button or a down button of the direction input button14A) or by an input with respect to the touch panel 13. Morespecifically, the zoom cursor 77 is moved upward by a predetermineddistance in accordance with pressing of the up button of the directioninput button 14A, and moved downward by a predetermined distance inaccordance with pressing of the down button of the direction inputbutton 14A. In addition, the user can move the zoom cursor 77 upward ordownward by touching a screen area where the zoom cursor 77 isdisplayed, and performing an operation with respect to the touch panel13 to shift a touch position upward or downward while touching thescreen area. Thus, in the determination processing at the step S38, theCPU 31 determines whether the predetermined button has been pressed orthe operation for moving the zoom cursor 77 has been performed withrespect to the touch panel 13. The determination at the step S38 can bemade by referring to the operation data and the touch position datawhich are stored in the main memory 32 at the step S33. When a result ofthe determination at the step S38 is positive, processing at the stepS39 is executed. On the other hand, when the result of the determinationat the step S38 is negative, processing at the later-described step S40is executed.

At the step S39, the CPU 31 zooms in/out the taken image displayed onthe upper LCD 22 in accordance with the zoom change instruction. Inother words, when an instruction for moving the zoom cursor 77 upwardhas been performed, the CPU 31 changes the content of the magnificationdata stored in the main memory 32 such that the magnification isreduced. Thus, at the step S32 executed the next time, a taken image iszoomed out and displayed as compared to the last step S32. On the otherhand, when an instruction for moving the zoom cursor 77 downward hasbeen performed, the CPU 31 changes the content of the magnification datastored in the main memory 32 such the magnification is increased. Thus,at the step S32 executed the next time, a taken image is zoomed in anddisplayed as compared to the last step S32. Subsequent to the step S39,processing at the later-described step S42 is executed.

On the other hand, at the step S40, the CPU 31 determines whether or notthe display change instruction has been performed. In the presentmodified example, the display change instruction is performed bypressing a predetermined button (e.g. a left button or a right button ofthe direction input button 14A), or by performing an input to touch anarea where the display change image 78A is displayed or an area wherethe display change image 78B is displayed with respect to the touchpanel 13. Thus, in the determination processing at the step S40, the CPU31 determines whether or not the predetermined button has been pressedor the input to touch the area where the display change image 78A isdisplayed or the area where the display change image 78B is displayedhas been performed. The determination at the step S40 can be made byreferring to the operation data and the touch position data which arestored in the main memory 32 at the step S33. When a result of thedetermination at the step S40 is positive, processing at the step S41 isexecuted. On the other hand, when the result of the determination at thestep S40 is negative, processing at the later-described step S42 isexecuted.

At the step S41, the CPU 31 changes stored images to be displayed on thelower LCD 12 (displayed stored images) among the stored images. Morespecifically, when the right button of the direction input button 14A ispressed or when the display change image 78B is touched, the displayedstored images are shifted by one image toward recent images. In otherwords, among the current four displayed stored images, the image takenat the oldest time is deleted from the displayed stored images. Inaddition, a stored image taken next to the image taken at the mostrecent time among the current four displayed stored images is added asanew displayed stored image. On the other hand, when the left button ofthe direction input button 14A is pressed or when the display changeimage 78A is touched, the displayed stored images are shifted by oneimage toward old images. In other words, among the current fourdisplayed stored images, the image taken at the most recent time isdeleted from the displayed stored images. In addition, a stored imagetaken immediately before the image taken at the oldest time among thecurrent four displayed stored images is added as a new displayed storedimage. In the main memory 32, data indicative of the displayed storedimages after the change at the step S40 is stored as new displayedstored image data. Subsequent to the step S41, processing at thelater-described step S42 is executed.

At the step S42, the CPU 31 determines whether or not an editinginstruction has been performed. In the present modified example, theediting instruction is performed by performing an input to touch, amongthe stored images 73A to 73D being displayed, a display area of a storedimage which is desired to be edited with respect to the touch panel 13.Thus, in the determination processing at the step S42, the CPU 31determines whether the input to touch any of the areas where the storedimages 73A to 73D are displayed has been performed. The determination atthe step S42 can be made by referring to the operation data and thetouch position data which are stored in the main memory 32 at the stepS33. When a result of the determination at the step S42 is positive,processing at the step S43 is executed. On the other hand, when theresult of the determination at the step S42 is negative, processing atthe later-described step S44 is executed.

At the step S43, the CPU 31 executes the editing processing. The editingprocessing is processing for editing a stored image. Hereinafter, astored image which is an object to be edited is referred to as anediting image. The following will describe the editing processing indetail with reference to FIGS. 20 to 22.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing a procedure of the editing processing(the step S43) shown in FIG. 18. In the editing processing, at a stepS51, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the current editing mode is apen mode. In the present modified example, in the editing processing,three modes, namely, the pen mode, a seal mode, and an eraser mode, areprepared in advance. In the pen mode, an image of an input line inputtedwith respect to the touch panel 13 can be added to an editing image. Inthe seal mode, a seal image prepared in advance can be added to anediting image. In the eraser mode, an image added in the pen mode or theseal mode can be deleted. It is noted in the present modified example,at a time of start of the editing processing, the editing mode is set tothe pen mode. When a result of the determination at the step S51 ispositive, processing at a step S52 is executed. On the other hand, whenthe result of the determination at the step S51 is negative, processingat a later-described step S58 is executed.

At the steps S52 to S57, processing in the pen mode is executed. FIG. 21is a view showing an example of images displayed on the LCDs 12 and 22in the pen mode of the editing processing. As shown in FIG. 21, duringthe editing processing, an operation screen for performing editing (anediting screen) is displayed on the lower LCD 12. More specifically, apart or an entirety of an editing image 81 is displayed on the lower LCD12. The editing image 81 is a stored image which is an object to beedited, namely, a stored image which is designated by an touch inputamong the stored images 73A to 73D shown in FIG. 19. Further, images 84to 90 for performing various operations are displayed on the lower LCD12. Operations using these images 84 to 90 will be described in detaillater. On the other hand, during the editing processing, as shown inFIG. 21, the entire editing image 81 is displayed on the upper LCD 22.It is noted that a dotted line area 82 shown in FIG. 21 shows an area inthe editing image 81 which is displayed on the lower LCD 12. An image ofsuch a dotted line area 82 may be displayed or may be not displayed onthe upper LCD 22. It is noted that since a real-time image taken by thecamera 23 or 25 is not displayed during the editing processing, the CPU31 may give an instruction not to perform an imaging operation to eachof the cameras 23 and 25. The following will described the processing inthe pen mode (the steps S52 to S57) in detail with reference to FIG. 21.

At the step S52, the CPU 31 accepts an input with respect to the touchpanel 13. In other words, the CPU 31 obtains touch position data fromthe touch panel 13. The obtained touch position data is stored in themain memory 32. Subsequent to the step S52, processing at the step S53is executed.

At the step S53, the CPU 31 displays an image of an input line 83 inaccordance with an input with respect to the touch panel 13. In otherwords, when a touch input is performed with respect to an area of theediting image 81 on the touch panel 13, the image of the input line 83is displayed. The input line 83 is an image showing a line at a positionat which a touch input is performed using the touch panel 13. Morespecifically, when the touch position data obtained at the step S52indicates a position in an area where the editing image 81 is displayed,the CPU 31 adds the image of the input line 83 at the position in theediting image 81. The editing image 81 to which the image is added isdisplayed on the LCDs 12 and 22. It is noted that since a processingloop of the steps S51 to S56 is repeated every a predetermined timeperiod (one-frame time period ( 1/60 sec.)) during the pen mode, theprocessing at the steps S52 and S53 are repeated during the pen mode.Thus, when the user continuously performs an input with respect to thetouch panel 13 so as to draw a line, the image of the input line 83 isgenerated and displayed so as to show the line. It is noted that thegeneration/display processing of the input line 83 at the step S53 isexecuted only when a touch input is performed with respect to the areaof the editing image 81, and is not executed when a touch input is notperformed or when a touch input is performed with respect to an areaother than the area of the editing image 81. Subsequent to the step S53,processing at the step S54 is executed.

At the step S54, the CPU 31 executes zoom in/out processing of theediting image 81 displayed on the lower LCD 12. The zoom in/outprocessing is executed when a magnification change instruction isperformed, namely, when an input is performed with respect to an area ofa magnification change instruction image 89 displayed on the lower LCD12 using the touch panel 13. The magnification change instruction image89 is an image for performing an instruction to zoom in or out theediting image 81 displayed on the lower LCD 12. At the step S54, the CPU31 changes a magnification for displaying the editing image 81 displayedon the lower LCD 12 when the touch position data obtained at the stepS52 indicates a position in the area where the magnification changeinstruction image 89 is displayed. In the present modified example, themagnification for displaying the editing image 81 has, for example,three levels, and the CPU 31 changes the magnification in order of asmall magnification, a medium magnification, and a larger magnificationeach time the magnification change instruction is performed. When themagnification change instruction is performed in the case of the largemagnification, the CPU 31 changes the magnification to the smallmagnification. Thus, when the magnification change instruction isperformed by the user, the magnification for the editing image 81displayed on the lower LCD 12 is changed. It is noted that the changeprocessing of the magnification at the step S54 is executed only when atouch input is performed with respect to the area of the magnificationchange instruction image 89, and is not executed when an input is notperformed with respect to the touch panel 13 or when a touch input isperformed with respect to an area other than the area of themagnification change instruction image 89. Subsequent to the step S54,processing at the step S55 is executed.

At the step S55, the CPU 31 executes movement processing of the editingimage 81 displayed on the lower LCD 12. The movement processing isexecuted when a movement instruction is performed, namely, when a touchinput is performed with respect to an area of a movement instructionimage 90 displayed on the lower LCD 12. The movement instruction image90 is an image for performing an instruction to move (scroll) theediting image 81 displayed on the lower LCD 12. At the step S55, the CPU31 scrolls and displays the editing image 81 displayed on the lower LCD12 when the touch position data obtained at the step S52 indicates aposition in the area where the movement instruction image 90 isdisplayed. In the present modified example, as shown in FIG. 21, themovement instruction image 90 includes images indicating fourdirections, namely, an upward direction, a downward direction, aleftward direction, and a rightward direction (triangle images in FIG.21). When a touch input is performed with respect to any of areas ofthese images, the CPU 31 scrolls the editing image 81 in a directioncorresponding to the image with respect to which the touch input isperformed. It is noted that the movement processing at the step S55 isexecuted only when a touch input is performed with respect to the areaof the movement instruction image 90, and is not executed when an inputis not performed with respect to the touch panel 13, or when a touchinput is performed with respect to an area other than the area of themovement instruction image 90. Subsequent to the step S55, processing atthe step S56 is executed.

At the step S56, the CPU 31 determines whether or not to change theediting mode. The determination is performed by determining whether ornot a mode change instruction has been performed by the user. Morespecifically, the determination at the step S56 is made by determiningwhether or not a touch input has been performed with respect to any ofareas of a pen mode image 84, an eraser mode image 85, and a seal modeimage 86 which are displayed on the lower LCD 12. The pen mode image 84is an image for performing an instruction to change the editing mode tothe pen mode. The eraser mode image 85 is an image for performing aninstruction to change the editing mode to the eraser mode. The seal modeimage 86 is an image for performing an instruction to change the editingmode to the seal mode. At the step S56, when the position indicated bythe touch position data obtained at the step S52 is a position in thearea where any of the pen mode image 84, the eraser mode image 85, andthe seal mode image 86 is displayed, the CPU 31 determines that a resultis positive. Then, the CPU 31 changes the editing mode to a modecorresponding to the image with respect to which the input is performed.On the other hand, when the position indicated by the touch positiondata obtained at the step S52 is not a position in the area where any ofthe pen mode image 84, the eraser mode image 85, and the seal mode image86 is displayed, the CPU 31 determines that the result is negative. Inthis case, the editing mode is not changed. When the result of thedetermination at the step S56 is positive, the processing at the stepS51 is executed again. On the other hand, when the result of thedetermination at the step S56 is negative, processing at the step S57 isexecuted.

At the step S57, the CPU 31 determines whether or not to terminate theediting processing. The determination is made by determining whether ornot an instruction to terminate the editing processing has beenperformed by the user. More specifically, the determination at the stepS57 is made by determining whether or not a touch input has beenperformed with respect to any of areas of a stop instruction image 87and a completion instruction image 88 which are displayed on the lowerLCD 12. The stop instruction image 87 is an image for performing aninstruction to stop the editing processing. The completion instructionimage 88 is an image for performing an instruction to complete theediting processing. At the step S57, when the position indicated by thetouch position data obtained at the step S52 is a position in the areawhere any of the stop instruction image 87 and the completioninstruction image 88 is displayed, the CPU 31 determines that a resultis positive. On the other hand, when the position indicated by the touchposition data obtained at the step S52 is not a position in the areawhere any of the stop instruction image 87 and the completioninstruction image 88 is displayed, the CPU 31 determines that the resultis negative. When the result of the determination at the step S57 ispositive, processing at a later-described step S72 is executed. On theother hand, when the result of the determination at the step S57 isnegative, the processing at the step S52 is executed again.

As described above, the processing in the pen mode (the steps S52 andS57) is repeated until the result of the determination at the step S56becomes positive or until the result of the determination at the stepS57 becomes negative. Further, by the user inputting a line with respectto the touch panel 13 in the pen mode, the image of the input line 83 isadded to the editing image (see FIG. 21).

On the other hand, at the step S58, the CPU 31 determines whether or notthe current editing mode is the seal mode. When a result of thedetermination at the step S58 is positive (namely, when the currentediting mode is the seal mode), processing at a step S59 is executed. Onthe other hand, when the result of the determination at the step S58 isnegative (namely, when the current editing mode is the eraser mode),processing at a later-described step S66 is executed.

At the steps S59 to S65, processing in the seal mode is executed. FIG.22 is a view showing an example of images displayed on the LCDs 12 and22 in the seal mode of the editing processing. As shown in FIG. 22, inthe seal mode, similarly as in the pen mode, the editing image 81 isdisplayed on the LCDs 12 and 22, and the images 64 to 70 for performingvarious operations are displayed on the lower LCD 12. The following willdescribe the processing in the seal mode (the steps S59 to S65) indetail with reference to FIG. 22.

At the step S59, the CPU 31 selects a seal image to be added to theediting image 81. The selection of the seal image is made by the userdesignating a desired seal image among seal images stored in advance inthe main memory 32, the stored data memory 34, or the memory card 28.When a seal image is selected at the step S59, the selected seal imageis added at a predetermined position (e.g. at a center position) in theediting image 81. Thus, a seal image 91 is added to the editing image81, and displayed on the LCDs 12 and 22 (FIG. 22). Subsequent to thestep S59, processing at the step S60 is executed.

At the step S60, the CPU 31 accepts an input with respect to the touchpanel 13. The processing at the step S60 is the same as the processingat the step S52. At the following step S61, the CPU 31 moves the sealimage 91 on the editing image 81 in accordance with the input withrespect to the touch panel 13. An operation for moving the seal image 91is performed by the same operation as that for the aforementioned zoomchange instruction (the step S38). In other words, the user can move theseal image 91 by touching an area where the seal image 91 is displayed,and by performing an operation with respect to the touch panel 13 toshift a touch position while touching the area. The CPU 31 can detectthe operation for moving the seal image 91 by referring to touchposition data stored in the main memory 32 at the step S60. It is notedthat the movement processing of the seal image 91 at the step S61 isexecuted only when the operation for moving the seal image 91 isperformed, and is not executed when an input is not performed withrespect to the touch panel 13, or when an operation other than theoperation is performed. Subsequent to the step S61, processing at thestep S62 is executed.

At the step S62, the CPU 31 executes zoom in/out processing of theediting image 81 displayed on the lower LCD 12. The processing at thestep S62 is the same as the processing at the step S54. In the sealmode, when the magnification for the editing image 81 displayed on thelower LCD 12 is changed, the seal image 91 is zoomed in or out inaccordance of zoom in or out of the editing image 81, and a ratiobetween a size of the editing image 81 and a size of the seal image 91is not changed. At the following step S63, the CPU 31 executes movementprocessing of the editing image 81 displayed on the lower LCD 12. Theprocessing at the step S63 is the same as the processing at the stepS55. Subsequent to the step S63, processing at the step S64 is executed.

At the step S64, the CPU 31 determines whether or not to change theediting mode. The processing at the step S64 is the same as theprocessing at the step S56. When a result of the determination at thestep S64 is positive, the processing at the step S51 is executed again.On the other hand, when the result of the step S64 is negative,processing at the step S65 is executed.

At the step S65, the CPU 31 determines whether or not to terminate theediting processing. The processing at the step S65 is the same as theprocessing at the step S57. When a result of the determination at thestep S65 is positive, processing at the later-described step S72 isexecuted. On the other hand, when the result of the determination at thestep S65 is negative, the processing at the step S60 is executed again.

As described above, the processing in the seal mode (the steps S60 toS65) is repeated until the result of the determination at the step S64becomes positive, or until the result of the determination at the stepS64 becomes negative. Further, the seal image 91 is added to the editingimage 81 in the seal mode, and the user can place a seal image at adesired position by an input with respect to the touch panel 13.

On the other hand, when the result of the determination at the step S58is negative, namely, when the current editing mode is the eraser mode,processing at steps S66 to S71 are executed. In the eraser mode,similarly as in the pen mode and the seal mode, the editing image 81 isdisplayed on the LCDs 12 and 22, and the images 64 to 70 for performingvarious operations are displayed on the lower LCD 12. Further, in theeraser mode, the input line 83 and the seal image 91 which are addedduring a period from the time of start of the editing processing to atime to shift to the eraser mode are displayed on the LCDs 12 and 22along with the editing image 81.

At the step S66, the CPU 31 accepts an input with respect to the touchpanel 13. The processing at the step S66 is the same as the processingat the step S52. At the following step S67, the CPU 31 deletes the imageof the input line 83 or the seal image 91 on the editing image 81 inaccordance with the input with respect to the touch panel 13. Morespecifically, when touch position data obtained at the step S66indicates a position in an area where the input line 83 added to theediting image 81 or the seal image 91 added to the editing image 81 isdisplayed, the CPU 31 deletes the image which is added at the positionin the editing image 81. Then, the CPU 31 displays the editing image 81in which the image is deleted on the LCDs 12 and 22. It is noted thatthe deletion processing of an image at the step S67 is executed onlywhen a touch input is performed with respect to the area of the inputline 83 or the area of the seal image 91, and is not executed when aninput is not performed with respect to the touch panel 13 or when atouch input is performed with respect to an area other than the area ofthe input line 83 and the seal image 91. Subsequent to the step S67, theprocessing at the step S68 is executed.

At the step S68, the CPU 31 executes zoom in/out processing of theediting image 81 displayed on the lower LCD 12. At the step S69, the CPU31 executes movement processing of the editing image 81. The processingat the steps S68 and S69 are the same as the processing at the steps S54and S55, respectively.

At the following step S70, the CPU 31 determines whether or not tochange the editing mode. The processing at the step S70 is the same asthe processing at the step S56. When a result of the determination atthe step S70 is positive, the processing at the step S51 is executedagain. On the other hand, when the result of the determination at thestep S70 is negative, the processing at the step S71 is executed.

At the step S71, the CPU 31 determines whether or not to terminate theediting processing. The processing at the step S71 is the same as theprocessing at the step S57. When a result of the determination at thestep S71 is positive, the processing at the step S72 is executed. On theother hand, when the result of the determination at the step S71 isnegative, the processing at the step S66 is executed again.

As described above, the processing in the eraser mode (the steps S66 toS71) is repeated until the result of the determination at the step S640becomes positive or until the result of the determination at the stepS71 becomes negative. Further, in the eraser mode, the image of theinput line 83 and the seal image 91 are deleted in accordance with aninput with respect to the touch panel 13.

When the editing processing is determined to be terminated at the stepS57, S65, or S71, the processing at the step S72 is executed. At thestep S72, the CPU 31 determines whether or not to store the editingimage 81 which has been edited by the editing processing. Thedetermination is made by determining whether or not a touch input hasbeen performed with respect to any of the areas of the stop instructionimage 87 and the completion instruction image 88 based on the touchposition data obtained at the step S52, S60, or S66. In other words,when a touch input has been performed with respect to the area of thestop instruction image 87, the CPU 31 stops the editing processing,namely, determines not to store the editing image. On the other hand,when a touch input has been performed with respect to the area of thecompletion instruction image 88, the CPU 31 completes the editingprocessing, namely, determines to store the editing image. When a resultof the determination at the step S72 is positive, processing at a stepS73 is executed. On the other hand, when the result of the determinationat the step S72 is negative, the CPU 31 skips the processing at the stepS73, and terminates the editing processing shown in FIG. 20.

At the step S73, the CPU 31 stores the editing image 81 in the storeddata memory 34. It is noted that the editing image 81 may be writtenover the stored image before the editing processing, or may be storedindependent of the stored image before the editing processing, or theuser may be caused to select which the editing image 81 is written overor stored independently of the stored image before the editingprocessing. Further, the editing image 81 may be stored in the memorycard 28 instead of in the stored data memory 34. Subsequent to the stepS73, the CPU 31 terminates the editing processing shown in FIG. 20.

According to the editing processing described above, the user can add aletter and a drawing with respect to an editing image by performing aninput with respect to the touch panel 13 so as to draw a line. Further,the user can add a seal image at a desired position on the editingimage.

Referring back to FIG. 18, subsequent to the editing processing (thestep S43), processing at the step S44 is executed. At the step S44, theCPU 31 determines whether or not to terminate the photographingprocessing. More specifically, the CPU 31 determines whether or not thepower button 14F has been pressed. When a result of the determination atthe step S44 is negative, the CPU 31 executes the processing at the stepS31 again. After that, the processing loop of the steps S31 to S44 isrepeatedly executed until the photographing processing is determined tobe terminated at the step S44. On the other hand, when the result of thedetermination at the step S44 is positive, the CPU 31 terminates thephotographing processing shown in FIG. 18.

By the photographing processing described above, the user can store theimage taken by the camera in accordance with the photographinginstruction. In the present modified example, the two display devicesare included, an image being currently taken is displayed on one of thedisplay devices, and an operation screen and images previously taken aredisplayed on the other display device. Thus, the user can perform aphotographing operation while looking at the currently taken imagedisplayed on the upper LCD 22 as well as the operation screen and thepreviously taken image, thereby providing the user-friendly imagingapparatus 10. Further, in the present modified example, by providing thetouch panel 13 on the lower LCD 12, an operation is performed moreeasily.

As described in the above embodiment, the imaging apparatus may beconfigured as described below.

Regarding the above problem 2, the imaging apparatus may be configuredas described in the following (1-1) to (1-13) in order for the user tofirmly hold the imaging apparatus while the visibility of the displayscreen and the operability of the touch panel are maintained when takingan image.

(1-1) An imaging apparatus comprises a first housing (the lower housing11), a second housing (the upper housing 21), a first display section(the lower LCD 12), a first imaging section (the outer camera 25), aplurality of buttons (the buttons 14A to 14E), and a touch panel (13).The first housing has a horizontally long shape. The second housing hasa horizontally long shape, and a long side of the second housing isconnected to an upper long side of the first housing such that the firstand second housings are foldable. The first display section has adisplay screen which is provided in an inner surface of the firsthousing which is a surface located inside when the first and secondhousings are folded. The first imaging section is provided in an outersurface of the second housing which is a surface located outside whenthe first and second housings are folded, and located at an end of theouter surface of the second housing which is opposite to a connectionportion where the second housing is connected to the first housing. Theplurality of operation buttons are provided on the inner surface of thefirst housing and on both sides of the display screen in a longitudinaldirection of the first housing. The touch panel is provided on thedisplay screen.

According to the above (1-1), when the user holds the imaging apparatussideways, the user can firmly hold the imaging apparatus by holdingportions of the first housing on both sides of the display screen(portions on which the operation buttons are provided). In this case,hands of the user are located on the operation buttons, not on thedisplay screen. Thus, the display screen is not covered by the hands anddoes not become invisible, and visibility of the display screen can bemaintained. In other words, an imaging apparatus which is capable ofbeing firmly held by the user while maintaining visibility of thedisplay screen when taking an image can be achieved.

Further, according to the above (1-1), the display section and the touchpanel are provided in the first housing held by the user. Thus, evenwhen the imaging apparatus is held and used, or even when the imagingapparatus is placed and used on a desk, or the like, an operation withrespect to the touch panel is easy to perform (as compared to the casewhere the touch panel is provided in the second housing).

(1-2) The imaging apparatus may further comprise a second displaysection (the upper LCD 22) provided in an inner surface of the secondhousing which is a surface located inside when the first and secondhousings are folded. In this case, non-display-screen areas (B1 and B2)are provided on the inner surface of the second housing and on bothsides of the second display section so as to have widths which are thesame as those of areas (A1 and A2) on the inner surface of the firsthousing on which the plurality of operation buttons are provided.

(1-3) The second housing may have a width which is the same as that ofthe first housing. In this case, the display screen of the first displaysection and a display screen of the second display section have the samewidths as each other, and are provided in the same position in thelongitudinal direction.

(1-4) The imaging apparatus may further comprise a speaker providedinside each of the non-display-screen areas of the second housing.

According to the above (1-2) to (1-4), since the imaging apparatusincludes the two display screens, more information can be displayed.Further, according to the configuration in which non-display-screenareas are provided on the second housing and on both sides of thedisplay screen (the above (1-2)), even when the user rotates the imagingapparatus 90 degrees from a state where the imaging apparatus is heldsideways to hold the imaging apparatus lengthwise, the user can firmlyhold the imaging apparatus. In other words, when the user holds theimaging apparatus lengthwise, the user can support the areas of thefirst housing on which the operation buttons are provided and thenon-display-screen areas with thumbs, and can support a back surface ofeach housing which is opposite to a surface in which the display screenis provided with index fingers, middle fingers, ring fingers, and littlefingers. Thus, while the user can firmly hold the imaging apparatus, thethumbs are not located on the display screen, and visibility of thedisplay screen does not deteriorate. Further, according to the above(1-4), by locating the speaker inside each of the non-display-screenareas of the second housing, the inside space of the second housing canbe used effectively, and the imaging apparatus can be made small insize.

(1-5) The second display section may display an image taken by the firstimaging section in real time. In this case, the first display sectiondisplays an operation screen for performing an operation with respect tothe imaging apparatus (see FIG. 19). According to this, the displayscreen on which the taken real-time image is displayed and the firstimaging section for taking an image are provided in the second housing.According to this, if the imaging direction of the first imaging sectionis changed, a facing direction of the display screen is changedaccordingly. Thus, the user can hold the imaging apparatus whileintuitively grasping the imaging direction. Further, according to theabove, since the operation screen is displayed on the display screenprovided in the first housing which is held by the user, the operationscreen is displayed on the display screen adjacent to input means (thetouch panel and the operation buttons). Thus, the user can easilyperform an operation while looking at the operation screen.

(1-6) When a real-time image taken by the first imaging section isdisplayed on the second display section, the first display section maydisplay an image for performing an input with respect to the touch panelas the operation screen. According to this, an operation with respect tothe imaging apparatus can be easily performed using the touch panel.

(1-7) The first display section may display an image for performingediting with respect to a taken image. According to this, the user caneasily perform editing processing using the touch panel.

(1-8) The imaging apparatus may further comprise a second imagingsection (the inner camera 23) provided in an inner surface of the secondhousing which is located inside when the first and second housings arefolded, and provided on a side closer to the connection portion of thefirst and second housings than a display screen of the second displaysection. According to this, the user can take images in two differentdirections without changing a manner of holding the imaging apparatus.Further, when photographing is performed using the second imagingsection, similarly as in the case of using the first imaging section, byadjusting an angle of the second housing, the imaging direction can beeasily changed, and the imaging direction of the imaging section can beeasily changed without providing a special mechanism. Further, since thesecond imaging section is not exposed to the outside when the housingsare folded, the second imaging section can be protected by folding thehousings.

(1-9) The imaging apparatus may further comprise an imaging instructionbutton (the button 14H) located at a right end of the upper long side ofthe first housing for performing an instruction to store a taken image.According to this, when holding the first housing, the user can easilypress the photographing instruction button with an index finger.

(1-10) The imaging apparatus may further comprise two imaginginstruction buttons (the buttons 14H and 14G) located at ends of theupper long side of the first housing, respectively, for performing aninstruction to store a taken image. According to this, when holding thefirst housing, either a right-handed user or a left-handed user caneasily press the photographing instruction button with an index finger.

(1-11) Weights of the first housing and components provided in the firsthousing may be heavier than those of the second housing and componentsprovided in the second housing.

(1-12) At least a battery, a circuit substrate on which electroniccomponents are mounted, and a connector for detachably connecting to astorage medium maybe provided in the first housing.

According to the above (1-11) or (1-12), when the imaging apparatus isplaced on a desk, or the like, the imaging apparatus can be hard to falldown. Further, by making the first housing held by the user heavier thanthe second housing, stability is increased when the imaging apparatus isheld, and hand movement can be prevented when taking an image.

(1-13) The second housing may be capable of being opened and fixed withrespect to the first housing at an angle smaller than 180 degrees.According to this, by making the angle between the housings becomeslightly smaller than 180 degrees, the outer surfaces of the housingsfit into a shape of a hand, and hence it becomes easier to hold theimaging apparatus.

Further, regarding the above problem 3, the imaging apparatus may beconfigured as described in the following (2-1) to (2-10) in order toimprove operability of a photographing operation.

(2-1) The imaging apparatus is a foldable imaging apparatus comprising afirst imaging section (the camera 23 or 25), a first housing (the lowerhousing 11), a second housing (the upper housing 21), and a connectionsection (the axial portions 11A and 21A). The connection sectionfoldably connects the first housing to the second housing. Further, theimaging apparatus comprises at least one photographing button (thebuttons 14H and 14G) for performing an instruction to record an imagetaken by the first imaging section. The at least one photographingbutton is provided on a side surface of the first housing in a casewhere an inner surface of the first housing when folded is referred toas a front surface, which side surface is on a side on which the secondhousing is located when the first housing and the second housing areopened.

According to the above (2-1), by providing the photographing button onthe side surface of the first housing on a side where the first housingis connected to the second housing, a user can press the photographingbutton with an index finger while holding the first housing bycontacting the inner surface of the first housing with a thumb and anouter surface of the first housing with a middle finger, and the like(see FIGS. 6 and 7). According to this, since the user can press thephotographing button while firmly holding the first housing, the buttonis easy to press when a photographing operation is performed, and handmovement is unlikely to occur. Thus, according to the above (2-1),operability of the photographing operation with respect to the foldableimaging apparatus can be improved.

Further, according to the above (2-1), since the photographing button isprovided on the side surface of the first housing, it is possible toperform the photographing operation even in a state where the imagingapparatus is placed on the outer surface of the first housing. It isnoted that since the imaging section is provided in the second housing,the user can freely change a photographing direction even in a statewhere the imaging apparatus is placed.

(2-2) The first imaging section may be provided in an outer surface ofthe second housing when folded.

According to the above (2-2), since the first imaging section isprovided in the second housing, the photographing direction can bechanged by changing an angle of the second housing with respect to thefirst housing. Further, since the first imaging section is provided inthe outer surface of the second housing, an image can be taken in adirection which is the same as a view line direction of the user.

(2-3) The first imaging section may be located in the outer surface ofthe second housing and on a side more distant from the connectionsection than a center of the outer surface of the second housing in anup-down direction. It is noted that, here, the first housing and thesecond housing are connected to each other one above the other, and adirection in which the first housing and the second housing areconnected to each other is referred to as an up-down direction. Further,a direction of an axis by which the first housing and the second housingare connected to each other is referred to as a left-right direction.For example, when the first housing has a horizontally long shape, alongitudinal direction of the first housing may be referred to as aleft-right direction.

Since the user presses the photographing button provide on the sidesurface of the first housing with an index finger as described above,there is a fear that the index finger is located within an imaging rangeof the first imaging section depending on a position of the firstimaging section. However, according to the above (2-3), since the firstimaging section is located on a side distant from the connection portionwith the first housing, the index finger can be prevented from beinglocated within the imaging range of the first imaging section.

(2-4) In the imaging apparatus, as the at least one photographingbutton, first and second buttons may be provided on left and right endsof the side surface, respectively.

According to the above (2-4), since the photographing buttons areprovided on the left and right ends of the side surface, respectively,the user can easily press either photographing button even when holdingthe imaging apparatus with either a right hand or a left hand. Thus,according to the above (2-4), the user can easily perform thephotographing operation regardless of handedness.

(2-5) The imaging apparatus may further comprise a second imagingsection (the inner camera 23). The second imaging section is providedsubstantially at a center of an apparatus main surface (the operationsurface), which is formed by the inner surface of the first housing andan inner surface of the second housing when the imaging apparatus isopened, in a left-right direction.

According to the above (2-5), since the second imaging section isprovided on the apparatus main surface, an image is taken in a directiontoward the user by the second imaging section. Further, since the secondimaging section is provided substantially at the center of the apparatusmain surface in the left-right direction, the user can easily adjust theimaging apparatus at an appropriate position in the left-rightdirection, for example, when taking an image of the user, or the like.

(2-6) The imaging apparatus may further comprise a plurality ofoperation buttons (the buttons 14A to 14F). The plurality of operationbuttons are provided on the inner surface of the first housing and on aright side and a left side of the second imaging section.

According to the above (2-6), by providing the operation buttons on theinner surface of the first housing, the user can hold the imagingapparatus while contacting the operation buttons with thumbs. Since theoperation buttons are provided outward of the second imaging section (inthe left-right direction), the thumbs of the user contact the operationbuttons at positions outward of the second imaging section. Thus,according to the above (2-6), a possibility that the thumbs are locatedwithin an imaging range of the second imaging section can be lowered(naturally without particularly making the user aware of this).

(2-7) The imaging apparatus may further comprise a display section (thelower LCD 12) and a plurality of operation buttons (the buttons 14A to14F). The display section has a display screen which is providedsubstantially at a center of the inner surface of the first housing in aleft-right direction. The plurality of operation buttons are provided onthe inner surface of the first housing and on a left side and a rightside of the display screen.

According to the above (2-7), by providing the operation buttons on theinner surface of the first housing, the user can hold the imagingapparatus while contacting the operation buttons with thumbs. Here,since the operation buttons are provided on the left and right sides ofthe display section, the thumbs of the user contact the operationbuttons at positions outward of the display section. Thus, according tothe above (2-7), the thumbs are prevented from disturbing a display bylocating the thumbs on the display screen of the display section(naturally without particularly making the user aware of this).

(2-8) The imaging apparatus may further comprise a display section (thelower LCD 12), a coordinate input section (the touch panel 13), and acontrol section (the CPU 31). The display section has a display screenwhich is provided in the inner surface of the first housing. Thecoordinate input section is an input device operable to inputcoordinates on the display screen. The control section displays apredetermined image on the display screen, and records an image taken bythe first imaging section when an input by the coordinate input sectionis performed in an area of the predetermined image.

According to the above (2-8), the user is able to perform aphotographing operation by the coordinate input section provided on theinner surface of the first housing. According to this, the user caneasily perform a photographing operation even when the imaging apparatusis placed on the outer surface of the first housing. Thus, by making itpossible to perform a photographing operation using the coordinate inputsection, it is unnecessary to operate the photographing button with anindex finger, and the photographing operation can be easily performed invarious holding manners (e.g. in a holding manner in which the secondhousing is down).

(2-9) The control section may display the predetermined image so as tobe located substantially at a center of the first housing in aleft-right direction.

According to the (2-9), since the predetermined image to be touched whenthe user performs a photographing operation is displayed substantiallyat the center of the first housing, the user can easily perform anoperation even when performing an operation with respect to the touchpanel with either a right hand or a left hand. Thus, according to theabove (2-9), even when performing a photographing operation in a statewhere the imaging apparatus is placed on the outer surface of the firsthousing, the user can easily perform the photographing operationregardless of handedness.

(2-10) The first housing may have a length in a left-right directionwhich is equal to or larger than 100 mm and which is equal to or smallerthan 150 mm, and a length in an up-down direction which is equal to orlarger than 60 mm and which is equal to or smaller than 90 mm.

According to the above (2-10), by making a length of the first housingan appropriate length, such as making the length of the first housing inthe left-right direction equal to or larger than 100 mm and equal to orsmaller than 150 mm, and making the length of t he first housing in theup-down direction equal to or larger than 60 mm and equal to or smallerthan 90 mm, the imaging apparatus can have a shape which is easy to holdwhen held with either one hand or both hands. In other words, accordingto the above (2-10), the imaging apparatus does not become hard to holdwith one hand by having a shape which is too long in the left-rightdirection, and does not become hard to hold with both hands by having ashape which is too short in the left-right direction. Further, since thefirst housing has such a length in the up-down direction that the firsthousing fits into a palm, it is easy for the user to hold the imagingapparatus when holding the imaging apparatus with either one hand orboth hands.

Further, the imaging apparatus may be configured as described in thefollowing (3-1) to (3-3).

(3-1) An imaging apparatus is configured so as to be capable oftransforming between a first mode in which a first housing and a secondhousing are stacked with each other and a second mode in which the firsthousing and the second housing are opened. The imaging apparatuscomprises at least one photographing button which is provided on a sidesurface of the first housing in the case where an inner surface of thefirst housing in the first mode is referred to as a front surface, whichside surface is on a side on which the second housing is located in thesecond mode, for performing an instruction to record an image taken byan imaging section.

(3-2) A second imaging section may be provided substantially at a centerof an apparatus main surface in the second mode in a left-rightdirection. In this case, the imaging apparatus further comprises aplurality of operation buttons which are provided on an inner surface ofthe first housing in the first mode and on a left side and a right sideof the second imaging section.

(3-3) A display screen may be provided substantially at a center of theinner surface of the first housing in the first mode in the left-rightdirection. In this case, the imaging apparatus further comprisesoperation buttons which are provided on the inner surface of the firsthousing and on a left side and a right side of the display screen.

As described above, the present invention is usable as an imagingapparatus, and the like in order to improve operability of aphotographing operation, and the like.

While the invention has been described in detail, the foregoingdescription is in all aspects illustrative and not restrictive. It isunderstood that numerous other modifications and variations can bedevised without departing from the scope of the invention.

1. An imaging apparatus comprising: a first housing; a second housinghaving a lower side which is connected to an upper side of the firsthousing such that the first and second housings are foldable; a firstdisplay section having a display screen which is provided in an innersurface of the first housing when folded; a second display sectionhaving a display screen which is provided in an inner surface of thesecond housing when folded; an imaging section provided in the innersurface of the second housing and between the display screen of thefirst display section and the display screen of the second displaysection; and a voice input section provided in the inner surface of thesecond housing and between the display screen of the first displaysection and the display screen of the second display section.
 2. Theimaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an operationbutton provided in the first housing.
 3. The imaging apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the second housing has at the lower side an axialportion which is pivotally connected to the upper housing of the firsthousing, and the imaging section and the voice input section are locatedin the axial portion.
 4. The imaging apparatus according to claim 3,wherein the axial portion is located substantially at a center of thesecond housing in a left-right direction.
 5. The imaging apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the imaging section is located atsubstantially at a center in a left-right direction, and the voice inputsection is located at a position away from a position of the imagingsection in the left-right direction.
 6. The imaging apparatus accordingto claim 1, further comprising voice output sections provided in theinner surface of the second housing and on both sides of the displayscreen of the second display section in a left-right direction,respectively.
 7. An imaging apparatus comprising: a first housing: asecond housing having a lower side which is connected to an upper sideof the first housing such that the first and second housings arefoldable; a first display section having a display screen which isprovided in an inner surface of the first housing when folded; a seconddisplay section having a display screen which is provided in an innersurface of the second housing when folded; an imaging section providedin the inner surface of the second housing and between the displayscreen of the first display section and the display screen of the seconddisplay section; and voice output sections provided in the inner surfaceof the second housing and on both sides of the display screen of thesecond display section in a left-right direction, respectively.
 8. Animaging apparatus comprising: a first housing; a second housing having alower side which is connected to an upper side of the first housing suchthat the first and second housings are foldable; a first display sectionhaving a display screen which is provided in an inner surface of thefirst housing when folded; a second display section having a displayscreen which is provided in an inner surface of the second housing whenfolded; and an imaging section provided in a center portion in theleft-right direction and between the display screen of the first displaysection and the display screen of the second display section when thefirst housing and the second housing are opened.
 9. The imagingapparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a voice input sectionprovided in the center portion in the left-right direction and betweenthe display screen of the first display section and the display screenof the second display section when the first housing and the secondhousing are opened.
 10. The imaging apparatus according to claim 9,wherein the imaging section is provided at a center in the left-rightdirection and between the display screen of the first display sectionand the display screen of the second display section when the firsthousing and the second housing are opened, and the voice input sectionis provided close to the imaging section.